The Spurs (9-2) host the Orlando Magic (10-2) tonight as two of the best teams in the NBA square off.
The Magic are riding high of late these days. Not only did they hand the Celtics their first loss of the season, they are 7-0 on the road this season and being led by Dwight Howard aka A FREAKING MONSTER! Howard was named Eastern Conf Player of the Week after averaging 23.2 points and 13.3 rebounds while Orlando went 4-0. He also leads the NBA with 10 double-doubles, and is averaging 22.2 points and 14.3 rebounds this season. Against the Spurs, he averages 14.5 points and 10.0 rebounds. Spurs big men will be severly tested tonight! Good luck Oberto, Elson and Duncan!
The Magic also have a nice supporting cast with Jameer Nelson, and recently acquired Rashard Lewis who has made an NBA-high 39 3-pointers for the season. The Magic have not lost on the road this year but that will be tested against the Spurs who have not lost in San Antonio all year.
For the Spurs, they play the second game of a back to back (thank you NBA team schedule) winning in Atlanta last night versus the Hawks. They come into this game knowing they cannot let this young Magic team gain any early confidence and must be aggressive from the start. Last time these two team met, Spurs fans know what happened, . . . Howard . . . end of game dunk for the win. Ohhhh the humanity!
Key match up tonight will be Duncan vs. Howard. The established vet takes on this youngster! Duncan has averaged 24.7 points and 12.2 boards against Howard but that was early in Howard’s career. We all know what Howard can do and Duncan must bring his A-game. Last night against the Hawks, Duncan poured in 13 points, seven rebounds and a season-high six assists. Step it up Duncan!
Expect an instant classic game and the Spurs to come out on top!
Quick notes: Magic traded Trevor Ariza to the “F”akers for Brian Cook and Maurice Evans. Spurs sent Ian Mahinimi to the D-League, Austin Toros today. In other Spurs news, the Spurs coaching staff still is a bunch of dumbasses as they still play ancient Jacque Vaughn, over Darius Washington, who hasn’t contributed crap since returning to the lineup.
