GameNight SpecificsNBA Coverage: Game InfoDate: Thursday, February 23Time: 7:30 p.m.Location: Philips Arena (ATLANTA, GA)Radio: FM 96.5 and AM 580 WDBO, AM 1270 WRLZTelevision: FS Florida
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PREGAME INFO
Recent Results: The Magic dropped the first game of their season series with the Hawks in overtime.
Feb. 10: Dwight Howard forced OT with a last-second putback dunk, but the Magic were unable to pull it out in the extra session, falling 89-87 at Amway Center.
Key Matchup: Ryan Anderson vs. Josh Smith
Both Anderson and Smith have put together All-Star caliber seasons for their respective squads this year. And it showed in the first meeting between the two clubs.
Smith posted game highs in both points (23) and rebounds (19) for Atlanta, while Anderson fired off 21 points to go along with nine boards for Orlando.
The Magic will have to limit Smith, especially on the glass, if they hope to emerge from Atlanta with a victory.
Instant Analysis: It’s safe to say that the Magic and Hawks are familiar with one another.
In addition, to being division rivals, the two teams have met in the playoffs for the past two seasons.
With few secrets left between them, this contest will come down to execution.
“This team knows our offensive and our defensive schemes and we know their schemes,” Smith said.
Other Notables: Dwight Howard attended SW Atlanta Christian Academy before being the first overall selection in the 2004 NBA Draft. Atlanta’s Tracy McGrady played with the Magic from 2000-2004, enjoying four of the best scoring seasons of his career.
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