Magic Weekly Preview (Week 1)

Josh Cohen
Digital News Manager

MAGIC VS. NUGGETSGame Time Info: Date: Friday, Nov. 2 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Amway Center (Orlando, FL) Television: Fox Sports Florida Last Season’s Results: The Magic were shorthanded in the two meetings last season against the Nuggets, dropping both contests. April 2: Jameer Nelson (27 points) and Glen Davis (18 points, 16 rebounds) each had monster games, but a late bucket from Ty Lawson secured a Denver victory. Arron Afflalo, playing for the Nuggets last year, poured in 22 points. April 22: Arron Afflalo helped lead Denver’s offensive attack with 15 points as the Nuggets cruised past the Magic. Glen Davis scored 14 for Orlando, which had played the night before in Utah. Key Matchup: Arron Afflalo vs. Andre Iguodala Considering Afflalo and Iguodala were two of the primary pieces in the blockbuster Dwight Howard trade in August, it will be imperative for each player to make an immediate statement for their new teams. Afflalo was a catalyst in Denver’s journey to the playoffs last year and was one of the essential parts in the Howard deal. Iggy, on the other hand, will have big shoes to fill in Denver with Afflalo out of the picture. Both players are known for their defensive commitment and tenacity, while each are capable of exploding on the offensive end as well. Instant Analysis: It is very important for the Magic to open up the season with a good performance to help set a positive tone. Especially against one of the teams involved in the Howard trade, Orlando wants to prove it received outstanding value from Denver. Afflalo is expected to be one of the Magic’s top scorers this season and will certainly want to display his best against his former team. An opening night win at home will give the Magic a huge dose of confidence. Orlando’s preseason performance was encouraging and if it continues to play unselfish and efficient basketball, it can certainly rack up some big wins early on in the season. Other Notables: While he isn’t active because of a knee injury, Al Harrington was also sent to Orlando in the Howard trade. Jameer Nelson was drafted by the Nuggets in 2004 but was immediately dealt to the Magic. Three of the first four opponents of the season for the Magic are against Western Conference teams (Denver, Phoenix and Minnesota with Chicago the lone East team in the first four contests). MAGIC VS. SUNS Game Time Info: Date: Sunday, Nov. 4 Time: 6 p.m. Location: Amway Center (Orlando, FL) Television: FS Florida Last Season’s Results: In their only meeting last season, Orlando jumped out to an early lead and never looked back against Phoenix. March 21: Glen Davis and J.J. Redick combined for 26 points off the pine to help the Magic earn a home victory over the Suns. Key Matchup: Marcin Gortat vs. Nikola Vucevic Despite an up-and-down preseason, Suns center Marcin Gortat will be a formidable foe for the Magic’s Nikola Vucevic. The former Orlando big man is always eager to put up a stellar performance against his former squad. The 6’11” center from Poland had a fantastic campaign in 2011-12, notching career bests in points (15.4) and rebounds (10) per game. Now, he’s looking to prove that he can rack up those type of totals without two-time MVP Steve Nash distributing him the basketball. Instant Analysis: Both the Magic and Suns are headed in new directions this season after recently dealing away longtime franchise cornerstones. The Suns will lean on Goran Dragic and rookie Kendall Marshall to fill the void left by Nash’s departure at point guard. The team will also look to offseason acquisition Michael Beasley to be one of their primary scorers. The Magic will have to keep that trio in check, if they hope to earn a victory on Sunday. Other Notables: Hedo Turkoglu played in 25 games with the Suns in 2010-11, before being traded to Orlando.