Keys to Beat Orlando
By Caroline Sikes
bobcats.com
December 14, 2012
KEY MATCHUPS vs MAGIC
Byron Mullens vs. Glen Davis
Byron Mullens faces off against the division rival Magic averaging 11.8 points and 7.4 rebounds during the 2012-13 season. The 7-footer has been working hard on the dynamics of his game. Head Coach Mike Dunlap has expressed his satisfaction with Mullens stepping up his post play. He can compete in the paint against the league’s best but can also step outside and sink a jump shot, creating matchup problems. After having a few consecutive low scoring outings, Mullens had a breakout scoring game against the Clippers during the Bobcats last home game with 19 points and eight boards. Look for Mullens to rekindle this offensive spark as he matches up against Glen “Big Baby” Davis… Davis has made a home in Orlando after being traded by the Celtics last year. Through 21 games, Davis averages 15.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.0 steal. He has scored in double digits in all but two games, so Mullens will need to buckle down on defense to slow down Davis.
SCOUTING THE BOBCATS (7-15)
After jumping out to a quick start this season, the Bobcats have experienced a slump of sorts over the past two and a half weeks. The Cats could very well break the losing streak in front of a home crowd when playing the Magic… The Bobcats offense has been efficient, averaging 96.1 points, with six players averaging double-digit scoring… The block party continues for the Bobcats, who are tied for fourth in the league averaging 6.9.
SCOUTING THE MAGIC (8-14 as of 12/14)
The Magic’s record doesn’t reflect the potential this team has early in the season. Orlando is currently ranked ninth in the NBA in points allowed (95.1), 10th in rebounds (43.0) and 12th in assists (22.1)… The Magic have been faced with finding a replacement for its leading scorer after trading Dwight Howard to the Lakers during the offseason… Arron Afflalo leads the Magic in scoring, averaging 16.1 and J.J. Redick comes off the bench contributing 13.8.
TUNE IN
The Bobcats and Magic tip off at 7:30 p.m. on December 15 at Time Warner Cable Arena®. Tickets for the game start at 10 dollars so come out and support your Cats. If you can’t make it, catch the game on SportSouth or listen on WFNZ. Follow the live in-game chat from home or in the arena by downloading the Bobcats app on your smartphone or going to bobcats.com.