Tonight, the Orlando Magic head to Dallas to take on the disappointing Mavericks.
The Magic are strong out of the gate, starting 5-3. The Mavs are only 2-6. The Magic have had a very easy schedule to this point, and to me, 5-3 is unacceptable. Right now, we seriously ought to be 8-0. We lost our opening games to Atlanta and @ Memphis, 2 very win-able match-ups that favored Orlando. Since those two unexpected mistakes however, the Magic have been on a roll, going 5-1. That, still could have been very easily better. The only loss in that six-game span is a 7-point loss to Portland, a game where neither team took total control. The Magic could be and should be the only undefeated team in the Eastern Conference.
The Mavericks are already in last place in the surprisingly sappy Southwest Division early in the season. The division-leading Rockets only have 5 wins, with the Hornets coming in 2nd with a 4-3 record. Dallas wasn't a favorite in anyone's predictions to win this division, but even with their new coach, 2-6, with all the talent this team has, is quite low of what they should be competing for.
Tonight, I see the Magic winning in a landslide, 119-92. The Mavericks defense hasn't keyed on anything yet, and they have showed me nothing that tells me they are anywhere close to improving.
The Orlando Magic beat the Philadelphia 76ers last night from Orlando 98-88 for their third straight win. The Magic, after starting out slowly against Atlanta and Memphis, have rolled off three straight victories, including last night's national game vs. Philly.
Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu led all scorers with 20 points. Dwight Howard had a monster game. Literally, he was like a monster, blocking 4 shots from the Sixers. But, the one player who really needed to step up in my mind was Jameer Nelson. He scored a season-high 16 points accompanied with 9 assists and 4 rebounds. I thought, prior to the game, that if the Magic were to win, Nelson would have to step up his game, and he did, pulling out another win for Orlando.
The 76ers looked sloppy all night, despite how the score may say that is was a close game. I admit, that at points, the Sixers got too close for comfort to the lead we established, but Philly never really was gelling. Especially in the 1st quarter. It looked like the coach and them were out partying Wednesday night! They were practically sleep-walking out there, and really never gave the Magic a legit run for the money at any point in the game. The Magic took advantage of a team who had to travel from Philly to Miami and then straight to Orlando. The Heat dominated the 76ers 106-83 on Wednesday the 5th. The Sixers need to play some solid ball and have more confidence when you go out there on the floor. 2-4, by no means, is the end of your season, and I know that the 76ers are resillient and will pull it together soon.
The Magic, however, have finally found a comfortable groove with which to work in, and it doesn't look to me like it will be grinding to a halt anytime soon. He are the next 10 games the Magic have on their schedule:
11/8 vs. Wizards 11/10 vs. Blazers 11/12 @ Thunder 11/14 @ Mavericks 11/16 @ Bobcats 11/18 vs. Raptors 11/21 @ Pacers 11/22 vs. Rockets 11/24 vs. Bucks 11/26 @ 76ers
To me, that schedule looks like 7 or 8 wins, and more than likely, first place in the Southeast Division. Atlanta can start as strong as they'd like, but they know and everyone knows they can't and won't hold onto a lead for very long.
Tomorrow night, the Magic stay at home and play rivaled Washington. The Wiz-Kids aren't doing as well as some expected, which is about where I thought they would be, with an 0-3 record, and looking for more.
The Magic's victory over Philadelphia last night was the spark they needed to get them going, and hopefully, the momentum established will keep them going.
That's right, there's something I have to admit. It's been bugging me for the past couple months, and I think that it is finally time to come out and say it.
Some of you may be very surprised to hear this. I hope nobody goes into shock.
But, I am now "coming out of the closet" and admitting something I have never said to anyone ever before.
You probably know my favorite team in the NBA is the Orlando Magic. Yeah, they are my favorite, but with them comes another team, my other favorite.
I, Mike J. Greenspire, have been a closet Los Angeles Lakers fan for the past couple years, and this is the first time I have actually come out and said anything about it.
I hope nobody views me differently due to my “preferences”.
All I can ask is that you try to work with me, and try to still be my friend.
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I am Mike Greenspire and I am a sports blogger for FOX Sports and I love the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, and NASCAR! I was born and raised in the city of Pittsburgh, PA, so naturally I am a die-hard fan of the Pens, Buccos, and Steelers. Since Pittsburgh basketball is long gone, my favorite team in the NBA is the Orlando Magic. Please leave a comment on my blog, I love feedback. My blog is fun, and I enjoy writing it, and I hope that you will enjoy reading it! Thanks!
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