Magic GameNight: Orlando at Detroit (1/2/12)

January 2, 201210:52 AM EST

GameNight SpecificsNBA Coverage: Game InfoDate: Monday, January 2Time: 7:30 p.m.Location: The Palace of Auburn Hills (AUBURN HILLS, MI)Radio: AM 580 WDBO, AM 1270 WRLZTelevision: Sun Sports
PROJECTED MATCHUPS
LINEUPS MAY CHANGE BY GAME TIME

PREGAME INFO

Last Season’s Results: The Magic earned two victories in their three contests against the Pistons.

Nov. 30: It was primarily defensive excellence that permitted the Magic to coast past the Pistons in their first meeting.

Dec. 3: In spite of a stomach virus epidemic sweeping through the Magic’s roster, Orlando managed to defeat Detroit once again with just eight available players.

Jan. 24: Familiar foes came back and bit the Magic in the foot as Tracy McGrady and Tayshaun Prince each recorded 20 points to propel the Pistons to the win.
Key Matchup: Jason Richardson vs. Ben Gordon

Both J-Rich and Gordon have tendencies of being somewhat erratic, but it will be a first-class battle between these two shooting guards. Richardson hopes to take advantage of his size and 3-point shooting aptitude, while Gordon will look to utilize his speed and ability to outmatch his opponent in isolation.
Instant Analysis: Unlike the old days when the Pistons owned the Magic, nowadays it’s Orlando that has more talent, more experience and greater aspirations than its adversaries. With Detroit having a relatively thin front line and a generally untried cast of role players, the Magic should be able to flex their muscles at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Other Notables: Orlando has won five of the last six meetings, but lost 21 of the last 31 regular season meetings with the Pistons overall. Jason Richardson went to Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, MI and then went on to star at Michigan State, where he led the Spartans to the 2000 NCAA title.

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