GameNight SpecificsNBA Coverage: Game InfoDate: Monday, February 6Time: 7 p.m.Location: Amway Center (ORLANDO, FL)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 enjoyed great success against the Clippers, winning both meetings.
Dec. 12: Dwight Howard posted 22 points and Jameer Nelson tallied 17 as all five Magic starters scored in double figures in Orlando’s victory in Los Angeles.
Feb. 8: It seemed like déjà vu for the Magic as like the previous meeting, Dwight Howard recorded 22 points and Jameer Nelson scored 17 in Orlando’s dominant win over the Clippers at Amway Center.
Key Matchup: Ryan Anderson vs. Blake Griffin
Just like it has been for him against some of the elite power forwards in the Eastern Conference (ex. Amar’e Stoudemire, Kevin Garnett, David West, etc.), Anderson will now get a test from one of the best of the West.
Especially with coaches about to decide whom the reserves in this year’s All-Star Game will be, this contest is the perfect opportunity for Anderson to demonstrate he belongs amongst the privileged.
If Ryan can have a big night against Griffin, who was voted in as a starter for the Western Conference All-Stars, it’s possible that will help his case in playing in front of the hometown fans at the end of the month.
Instant Analysis: With the addition of Chris Paul in the backcourt and with the growth of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan up front, the Clippers have developed into one of the most exciting teams in the league. Some observers even consider them one of the favorites to come out of the West and compete for a championship this season.
As a result, while it certainly won’t be easy, it’s imperative for the Magic to play their ‘A’ game and prove to the naysayers they deserve to be in the same conversation as any of the other elite clubs in the NBA. If Dwight Howard can dominate down low and if Orlando’s slew of point guards can negate Paul from having one of his spectacular nights, the Magic should be in good position to come out on top.
Other Notables: Orlando has won the last nine meetings against the L.A. Clippers. Quentin Richardson was drafted by the Clippers in 2000 and spent his first four seasons in L.A.
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