Game Preview: Magic vs Wizards

The Magic return home for the regular season finale against the playoff bound Washington Wizards. This is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams with Orlando winning two of the first three. The Magic lead the all-time series, 47-28.

Washington Wizards vs. Orlando Magic

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

Records: Orlando- 51-30, Southeast division champions; Washington- 43-38, second place in the Southeast division.

Washington on the road- 18-22; Orlando at home- 24-16

The Wizards enter the game as a hot team as they’ve won 5 of their last 6 games. Washington is back at full strength as they have Caron Butler back from his leg injury. Butler, an All-Star this season is averaging 20.3 ppg., and 6.7 rpg. Antawn Jamison may be the Wizards most valuable player as he can score in many different ways inside and out. Jamison averages 21.4 ppg., and 10.2 rpg. Washington also has guard Gilbert Arenas back, who has missed most of the season with a knee injury. Arenas is a dynamic scorer who has played in just 13 games this season. Arenas is nearly a 23 ppg. scorer for his career. Antonio Daniels is the Wizards starting point guard, and Brendan Haywood is their starting center.

Off the bench, Washington gets solid production from guards Roger Mason and Nick Young, as well as forwards Darius Songaila and Dominic McGuire. Spelling Haywood at center will be Aundray Blatche and Etan Thomas.

Statistically speaking: The Wizards are 14th in the league in points scored (99.0 ppg.), 22nd in field goal percentage (44.57%), 19th in adjusted field goal percentage (49%), 17th in three point shooting (36%), 4th in free throw percentage (78.36%), 20th in field goal percentage allowed (46.12%), 11th in opponents ppg. (99.1), 28th in opponents three point shooting (39%), 9th in steals (7.8/gm.), 19th in turnovers (14.1/gm.), 15th in blocks (4.8/gm.), 17th in rebounding (41.6/gm.), and 27th in assists (19.6/gm.).

Here’s how Orlando matches up: 6th scoring (104.3 ppg.), 5th FG % (47.32%), 2nd in adjusted FG% (54%), 4th three point shooting (38%), 27th FT% (72.22%), 7th FG% allowed (44.54%), 12th opponents scoring (99.1 ppg.), 13th opponents three point shooting (36%), 27th steals (6.3/gm.), 16th turnovers (13.9/gm.), 26th in blocks (4.1/gm.), 12th rebounding (42.0/gm.), and 22nd in assists (20.6/gm.).

What do the stats say? Washington is a very average team, which is why their record is near .500. They don’t have a great presence in the paint, and they don’t close out well on outside shots.

Best matchup for Washington: Antawn Jamison vs. Rashard Lewis- Jamison has taken his game to a new level this year, as he can score from virtually anywhere on the court and is a very active rebounder. Jamison should have his way with Lewis, who has been playing better defense of late. Jamison averaged 23.3 ppg. and 7.3 rpg. vs. the Magic last year.

Best matchup for Orlando: Dwight Howard vs. Brendan Haywood- Although Haywood is a tough defender, Howard should be able to out-muscle him down low. Howard has averaged 13.3 ppg. and 13.3 rpg. against the Wizards this year.

Keys to a Magic victory: It’s the final game before the playoffs and a victory is not important at all. The Magic need to get through the game injury free and give some of the bench players some extended playing time.