Preview: Keys to Beat Magic, Kings and Rockets

Keys to Beat Magic, Kings and Rockets

By Caroline Sikes
bobcats.com
January 16, 2013

KEY MATCHUP vs MAGIC
Ben Gordon vs. Arron Afflalo
Over the past few games, the Bobcats have had a tough time generating offense. Such has not been the case for Ben Gordon, who comes off the bench averaging 13.7 points, shooting 45.1 percent from the floor and 40.3 percent from long distance, while adding 2.3 assists and 1.9 rebounds. Over the past 11 games, Gordon has stepped up his level of play, contributing 15.5 points and scoring double figures in 10 of those contests. In the first matchup against the Magic, Gordon had six points in just 13 minutes. Gordon continuing to possess the hot shooting hand for the Cats may be key as Arron Afflalo looks to outscore him… Afflalo has started all 38 games for the Magic this season, averaging 17.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He has scored in double figures every game since December, until he was held to just two points during a loss to the Wizards earlier this week. During round one against the Bobcats, Afflalo tied for team-high with 20 points while grabbing six boards and dishing out three assists. This match up may come down to who can play tougher defense, since offense comes easy to both guys.

KEY MATCHUP vs KINGS
Ramon Sessions vs. Tyreke Evans
In his first season as a Bobcat, Ramon Sessions has played an impactful role on this young team. Sessions has been in the league for five seasons and was called upon to bring veteran experience to the Bobcats, which he has done. He has come off the bench in all 38 games, clocking minutes as both a backup point guard and shooting guard. He is second on the team with 14.2 points and 3.9 assists. Sessions has an aggressive offensive game where he thrives on attacking the rim and getting opponents big men in foul trouble. His penetration in the lane often puts him at the charity stripe, where he is 10th in the NBA in free throw makes with an average of 4.7, while shooting 84.3 percent… Sessions will have to face off against Tyreke Evans who plays a similar role for the Kings. Evans returned after missing 11 games from a knee injury suffered during December. He fills backup point guard role and has started as a shooting guard for the Kings recently. Despite missing 16 games, Evans is the second-leading scorer for Sacramento with 15.0 points, while shooting 47.2 percent, to go with 4.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.26 steals.

KEY MATCHUP vs ROCKETS
Gerald Henderson vs. James Harden
For the Bobcats, Gerald Henderson has played a crucial role this season supplying the leadership on a young squad. During training camp, Head Coach Mike Dunlap announced Henderson as a captain and he has done a good job of living up to the title, lending his athleticism for intangibles that may not get him recognition in a box score. Despite missing a month with a foot injury, Henderson contributes 12.9 points, while shooting 51.4 percent from 3-point territory and adds 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.04 steals. Dunlap has let Henderson come off the bench to match up against opponent’s substitutes but recently decided Henderson flourishes in the starting role. He has scored in double figures the past three games since being reinstated in the starting lineup… Henderson will need to have a big night defensively as he faces off against James Harden. Since making the move from Oklahoma City to Houston, Harden has been remarkable. He leads the Rockets in scoring with 26.3 points, good enough for fourth in NBA, with 5.3 assists and 4.4 rebounds. Harden averages 85.3 percent from the free throw line, which he frequents more than any other player with 9.9 attempts. It will be essential for Henderson to play strong defense, without getting in foul trouble and putting Harden on the line.

SCOUTING THE BOBCATS (9-29)
After starting 2013 off on a positive note, the Bobcats have dropped their last five games. The Cats will have a chance to turn this around as they play three games over the holiday weekend… The Bobcats have been putting up very competitive numbers, including some stats fans might be unaware of. Charlotte currently ranks third in fast-break points, averaging 17.4 and is first in team rebounds (10.4), something Coach Mike Dunlap mentioned after their previous game against the Pacers. It has been evident, and Dunlap agrees, the Cats are more effective at crashing the boards when they rebound by committee, which has a lot to do with some of the smaller lineups Dunlap has used… The Bobcats have done a good job protecting the ball, committing only 14.2 turnovers, which is the seventh least in the league… It is no secret the Bobcats succeed at drawing fouls on opponents since they score 20.3 percent of their points at the free-throw line, second only to the Thunder… With Bismack Biyombo (1.58 blocks), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (1.14) and Tyrus Thomas (1.00) leading the way, the Bobcats rank sixth in the NBA in blocks, turning away 6.3 shots… Kemba Walker continues his stellar sophomore campaign, leading the team with 17.3 points, 5.7 assists and is seventh in the league with 1.87 steals… One area hurting the Bobcats is slow starts. Currently, the Cats are second to last in first quarter points (22.1), so finding a way to jump out quick on their next three opponents could make a difference down the stretch.

SCOUTING THE MAGIC (14-24)
The Bobcats division rival took the first of four contests between the two in December, 107-98. After that, the Magic went on a 10-game slide to close December and begin January. This was mostly due to a shoulder injury to Glen Davis, who missed an 11-game stretch and returned in the loss against the Wizards on January 14. As their second leading scorer, Davis plays a pivotal role for the Magic. Davis averages 15.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.0 steal and will be a handful for the Bobcats big men… The Magic know how to distribute ball to get everyone involved since they are ranked sixth in the league in assists, dishing out 23.0. In the first match up against the Cats, Orlando had 25 assists, shot 54.4 percent from the floor and had 60 points in the paint. The Cats defense will need to slow the Magic offensively if they wish to even the series, 1-1.

SCOUTING THE KINGS (15-24 as of 1/16)
Before taking on the Bobcats, the Kings will face the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-game East Coast swing. On the season, the Kings have faced much adversity on the road and are just 3-14 away from home… While trying to find this team’s identity, Coach Keith Smart has tried many different lineups. With rumors of the organization being sold and moved to Seattle, they have done their best to rise above these stories. Currently, they are ranked 12th in points with 97.7 and fifth in points in the paint with 44.6… The Kings receive valuable contributions with six players averaging double figure scoring, including DeMarcus Cousins (17.7 points), Tyreke Evans (15.0), Marcus Thornton (12.5), Jason Thompson (11.1), Isaiah Thomas (11.1) and John Salmons (10.1).

SCOUTING THE ROCKETS (21-19 as of 1/16)
Before taking on the Bobcats, the Kings will face the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-game East Coast swing. On the season, the Kings have faced much adversity on the road and are just 3-14 away from home… While trying to find this team’s identity, Coach Keith Smart has tried many different lineups. With rumors of the organization being sold and moved to Seattle, they have done their best to rise above these stories. Currently, they are ranked 12th in points with 97.7 and fifth in points in the paint with 44.6… The Kings receive valuable contributions with six players averaging double figure scoring, including DeMarcus Cousins (17.7 points), Tyreke Evans (15.0), Marcus Thornton (12.5), Jason Thompson (11.1), Isaiah Thomas (11.1) and John Salmons (10.1).

TUNE IN
Follow the Bobcats when they tip off against the Magic at 7:00 p.m. on January 18 in Orlando by heading to Dilworth Neighborhood Grille for the watch party. Make sure you come out to support your Cats as they return home over the holiday weekend, taking on the Kings at 7:00 p.m. on January 19 and the Rockets at 2:00 p.m. on January 21 at Time Warner Cable Arena®. If you can’t make it, catch all three games on SportSouth or listen on WFNZ. Follow the live in-game chats by going to bobcats.com or downloading the Bobcats app on your smartphone.