GameNight SpecificsNBA Coverage: Game InfoDate: Monday, January 30Time: 7 p.m.Location: Wells Fargo Center (PHILADELPHIA, PA)Radio: FM 96.5 and AM 580 WDBO, AM 1270 WRLZTelevision: Sun Sports
PROJECTED MATCHUPS
LINEUPS MAY CHANGE BY GAME TIME
PREGAME INFO
Last Season’s Results: The Magic have historically had great success against the 76ers and last season was no different.
Dec. 18: On the same day as two blockbuster trades, the shorthanded Magic couldn’t muster enough offense against the visiting 76ers.
Jan. 19: In what became one of the most memorable games in Magic history, two four-point plays – one in regulation and the other in overtime – catapulted Orlando to a stirring win.
Feb. 9: Dwight Howard powered in 30 points and grabbed 17 rebounds and five others scored in double figures as the Magic edged the Sixers in Philadelphia.
April 11: In a contest remembered largely because of several monstrous jams by Dwight Howard, the Magic claimed the regular season series with the 76ers, 3-1.
Key Matchup: Ryan Anderson vs. Elton Brand
It seems like it’s a new test every game for Anderson. There are so many elite power forwards in the East, including Amar’e Stoudemire, Kevin Garnett and Chris Bosh, that it’s a never-ending challenge for the fourth-year standout.
On Monday, he will have to contend with Elton Brand, who unlike the aforementioned power forwards is more of a power player who prefers to play down low. While Anderson will be forced to muscle up defensively, Brand will be unaccustomed to guarding the perimeter as his counterpart roams the arc.
This should be an advantage for Anderson and the Magic.
Instant Analysis: With the Magic just finishing up a difficult week with four games against the Celtics and Pacers, Monday’s affair will be another opportunity for the Magic to prove they still belong in the same conversation amongst the other elite teams in the East.
The Magic have had plenty of recent success against the 76ers, winning 11 of the last 12, 18 of the last 22 and 30 of the last 41 regular season meetings overall.
They expect the same fortunate on Monday to continue this trend.
Other Notables: Jameer Nelson played 125 career games at Saint Joseph’s from 2000-04 and attended Chester High School. Larry Hughes was selected by the Sixers in the first round (eighth overall) of the 1998 NBA Draft and played the first 100 games of his NBA career in Philadelphia.
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