GameNight SpecificsNBA Coverage: Game InfoDate: Monday, January 16Time: 1 p.m.Location: Madison Square Garden (NEW YORK, NY)Radio: FM 96.5 and AM 580 WDBO, AM 1270 WRLZTelevision: Sun Sports
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PREGAME INFO
Last Season’s Results: The Magic enjoyed great success against the Knicks last season, winning three of the four meetings.
Dec. 30: Dwight Howard led a balanced attack with 24 points and 18 rebounds as the Magic cruised past the Knicks at home.
March 1: It was another dominant effort from Howard as his 30 points and 16 rebounds to go along with clutch fourth-quarter play from Jameer Nelson guided the Magic over the Knicks at Amway Center.
March 23: All five Magic starters scored in double figures, including Howard (33 points) and Jason Richardson (19), as Orlando crushed New York at Madison Square Garden.
March 28: Howard tallied 29 points and 18 rebounds and Richardson buried a game tying 3-pointer to send the game into overtime, but the Magic couldn’t secure a season sweep as the Knicks prevailed in the extra session.
Key Matchup: Dwight Howard vs. Tyson Chandler
The Knicks decided to sign Chandler, one of the top free agents available prior to the start of the season, largely to try and handle the size some of the other elite teams in the East possess.
The Magic with Howard protecting the paint, for instance, are one of those teams. Chandler is renowned for his defensive aptitude and ability to crash the glass. As a result, it will be interesting to see if Tyson, who helped Dallas win the NBA championship last season, can handle Howard’s inside ascendancy.
Instant Analysis: While the Magic have flourished over the first three weeks of the season, the Knicks have faltered despite towering expectations.
It remains indefinite whether New York’s Carmelo Anthony (ankle and wrist injuries) and Orlando’s Jason Richardson (knee) will play. If both teams are missing two of their key players, it will be essential for supporting cast members from each side to elevate their games.
Other Notables: Orlando has won 13 of the last 16 meetings overall. They have won 10 of the last 12 outings at home, and 12 of the last 18 at MSG. Chris Duhon, Quentin Richardson and Larry Hughes have all previously played for the Knicks.
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