GameNight SpecificsNBA Coverage: Game InfoDate: Wednesday, February 8Time: 7 p.m.Location: Amway Center (ORLANDO, FL)Radio: FM 96.5 and AM 580 WDBO, AM 1270 WRLZTelevision: FS Florida
PROJECTED MATCHUPS
LINEUPS MAY CHANGE BY GAME TIME
PREGAME INFO
Last Season’s Meetings: The revitalized Sunshine State rivalry was very even as the Magic and Heat split their four meetings.
Oct. 29: Orlando couldn’t slow down Dwyane Wade and LeBron James in Miami’s first home regular season game after its big 2010 free agent extravaganza.
Nov. 24: Dwight Howard posted 24 points and 18 rebounds, J.J. Redick contributed 20 points and Jameer Nelson enjoyed an outstanding fourth quarter as the Magic rolled past the Heat at Amway Center.
Feb. 3: Orlando staged a furious fourth-quarter rally and had a chance to win it at the end, but LeBron James’ 51 points was a bit too much in Miami’s victory.
March 3: In a game that will always be remembered as one of the most improbable comebacks in franchise history, the Magic overcame a 24-point deficit to edge the Heat in Miami.
Key Matchup: Hedo Turkoglu vs. LeBron James
The last time LeBron walked into Amway Center for a regular season game, he erupted for 51 points. It will be up to Turkoglu to try and disallow James from having another extraordinary performance.
While Turk doesn’t have the foot speed to contend with LeBron, he does have the size to frustrate the perennial All-Star on all of his jump shots.
Instant Analysis: Any time the Magic play the Heat these days, it feels like Game 7 of the conference finals. It would be a huge momentum boost if Orlando can outmatch Miami in their first meeting of the season.
Especially if the Sunshine State rivals should clash in the playoffs, it’s essential for the Magic to have confidence that they can beat the Heat.
Other Notables: Orlando has won 16 of the last 21 regular season meetings with the Heat, including 10 straight wins from Apr. 9, 2006-Jan. 2, 2009. Stan Van Gundy served as the Heat’s head coach for two-plus years from 2003-2005.
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