Memphis (0-1) at Orlando (0-1), 7:00 pm EST
ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) -- The Orlando Magic hope to avoid the
team's first 0-2 start in 15 years when they host the Memphis
Grizzlies on Friday.
The Magic dropped their season opener, 90-78, at home to Indiana
on Wednesday. The only time Orlando dropped its first two
games of the season was in 1990-91 - the second season of the
franchise's existance.
Steve Francis collected 15 points, nine rebounds and seven
assists but only connected on 6-of-14 shots. He was originally
slated to get some time at shooting guard, but Keyon Dooling's
right heel contusion forced Francis back to the point guard
slot.
Memphis was routed, 97-78, at home against Miami. Pau Gasol
collected 26 points and 12 rebounds but the Grizzlies were
hampered by the poor shooting of the new backcourt tandem of
Damon Stoudamire and Eddie Jones, who combined to make 9-of-30
shots.
As a team, Memphis made just 34 percent of its shots (29-of-85).
The Grizzlies have lost their first two games six times in the
team's 10 seasons, including last year.
The Grizzlies and Magic split their two games last season, but
Memphis has won five of the last six meetings in the series.




