The Mavs return home tonight against Orlando Magic for the first of three games in Dallas. They have won two straight and are coming off an encouraging win in Houston. While the Mavericks have won four of their last five, the Magic have lost four of their last five and are almost even with the Mavs in record at 17-8. The Mavs have won 7 of their last 9 against Orlando and took both matchups last season. With wins in both their meetings this year, the Mavs could finally reach .500 as a franchise against Orlando. They currently sit at 18-20 all time.
Dwight Howard is embarrassing other players
Anybody doubting the Magic for drafting Dwight Howard ahead of Emeka Okafor now? Howard's dominance has been well documented this season, and most of the time, he makes it look easy when he's chin level with the rim and putting some unlucky defender in a bad place. It isn't even surprising anymore when he busts out with a 20-plus rebound game. LeBron James may be the only player in the league right now that is more valuable long term, and even that is arguable. Rest assured that Dampier and Diop will have than their hands full even staying in front of Howard tonight, much less trying to contain him once he's on the low block.
Offense is rain or shine
Lately, the Magic offense has either been off an running or grinding to a halt without much middle ground. They're either scoring over 100 or under 90 and haven't been nearly as consistent on the offensive end as they were through their first 15 games of the season. In their last five games, they've scored 119, 103, 86, 87 and 109. Despite a solid offensive showing Saturday night, the Magic defense couldn't stop a three-point barrage from the Pau Gasol-less Grizzlies.
Lewis is day-to-day
Rashard Lewis sat out Saturday's game with neck spasms, but is traveling with the team to Dallas and Houston over this two-game road trip. It sounds like a garden variety injury and most indications point to him playing. He's been consistent for the Magic so far this season after signing a max contract in the offseason and is a big key for Orlando. With him and Hedo Turkoglu scoring from all over, it helps open Dwight Howard up even more and give the other Magic players space to operate.
Video evidence
- This makes me sick at how much Dwight got robbed in the dunk contest. America was deprived of greatness.
- Dwight Howard is so dang likable.
- One of the sickest dunks I've ever seen.
- Does Florida Hospital treat mental instability also?
Random useless fact
Rashard Lewis' nickname is Sweet Lew. No relation to the Cubs manager.
-Scooter Hendon, Hoops Nerd
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