Game Preview: Magic vs Sixers

The Magic play their fourth straight home game of the second half of the season as they take on the Philadelphia 76ers. This is the second meeting between the two clubs in Orlando, as the Magic won the first meeting 115-99, just four weeks ago. The Magic hold a 48-26 edge in the all time series.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic

Friday, March 21st, 2008

Records: Orlando- 45-25, 1st place in the Southeast division; Philadelphia- 34-34, third place in the Atlantic division.

Philadelphia on the road- 15-19; Orlando at home- 22-13

Philadelphia is a very athletic team that is led by guard Andre Iguodala who averages 19.8 points per game, and 2.0 steals per game (fifth in the NBA). In the middle, the Sixers have seven footer Samuel Dalembert, who averages a double double, with 10.7 points per game, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. Commanding the point is veteran Andre Miller, who averages 17.0 points per game, and leads the team with 6.6 assists. The rest of the Sixers starting lineup is rounded out with youngsters Willie Green and Thaddeus Young, who are role players who average a combined 20.5 ppg., and 6.6 rebounds.

Philadelphia has talent off the bench, as they bring guard Louis Williams, who averages 11 ppg. and better than 3 assists in just 22.6 minutes, and active forwards Rodney Carney and Reggie Evans. Evans does all the dirty work as he grabs better than 8 rebounds in just 24 minutes of action each night.

Statistically speaking
The 76ers are 21st in the league in points scored (96.3 ppg.), 11th in field goal percentage (46.15%), 21st in adjusted field goal percentage (48%), 30th in three point shooting (32%), 30th  in free throw percentage (70.67%), 21st in field goal percentage allowed (45.89%), 7th in opponents scoring (95.8ppg.), 10th in opponents three point shooting (35%), 5th in steals (8.5/gm.), 15th in turnovers (14.0/gm.), 14th in blocked shots (4.9/gm.), 14th in rebounding (42.0/gm.), and 24th in assists (20.2/gm.).

Here’s how Orlando matches up: 6th scoring (105.0 ppg.), 5th FG % (47.35%), 2nd in adjusted FG% (53%), 4th three point shooting (38%), 24th FT% (72.57%), 8th FG% allowed (44.96%), 15th opponents scoring (99.9 ppg.), 15th opponents three point shooting (36%), 28th steals (6.1/gm.), 16th turnovers (14.0/gm.), 25th in blocked shots (4.2/gm.), 13th rebounding (42.1/gm.), and 22nd in assists (20.4/gm.).

Best matchup for Philadelphia: Andre Miller vs. Jameer Nelson- although Nelson has been playing at a high level over the last two weeks, Miller is a very strong point guard that has definite post-up skills. Miller should be able to get into the lane freely and find open shooters if the Magic double-team. Miller is averaging nearly 25 ppg., and 8.7 assists against the Magic this season.  

Best matchup for Orlando: Rashard Lewis vs. Thaddeus Young- Lewis can elevate and shoot over Young, or go around him. Lewis is averaging 18 points and 5 rebounds against Philly this season.  

Keys to a Magic victory:
1. Slow down Andre Miller.  Miller has looked like Steve Nash and Chris Paul against the Magic this year as he can seemingly score at will, and set up easy opportunities for his teammates.  Orlando needs someone to slow down Miller. 

2. Grab every rebound. If Philadelphia is limited to one shot per possession, it is not very likely that they’ll find enough offense to pull out a victory.

3. Limit turnovers.  Although the Sixers have been playing much better of late, a lot of their offense is predicated on effort plays, being offensive rebounds, and forcing turnovers.  If the Magic can force them into running half court sets, their lack of consistent outside shooting will rear its ugly head. 

Final thoughts: The Sixers have been playing great ball as of late, and the Magic lost a tough game to Washington Wednesday night.  I think the matchups favor the Sixers, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re the team with their arms raised at the final buzzer.