The Orlando Magic take on their Florida Rivals the Miami Heat tonight at Amway Arena. If recent history holds true to form, Dwayne Wade will have a monster game, and the Magic will prevail. This game should serve as a barometer of where Vince Carter is defensively and also serve as a great opportunity for Dwight Howard to get back on track offensively. Howard usually has big games against the Heats smaller line-up, averaging a double-double in the last 12 games in the series.
Wade, who’s career average is a cool 30 points per game against the Magic, has been feasting against all his Southeast Division foes over the last 3 seasons. Hopefully, Vince Carter is reminded of this by head coach Stan “I’m a Nicer Man” Van Gundy, and accepts the challenge of thwarting Wade on the defensive end of the floor. If not, expect Mickael Pietrus to get the nod. JJ Redick has continued to make strides but is clearly no match for Wade.
Jason Williams, who has performed more than adequately while Jameer Nelson continues his usual injury Hiatus, gets a chance to face his former team, where he was the starting point guard on their championship team. Williams has been adept at finding his teammates and even better at not turning the ball over, averaging just 1 a game in his 3 starts. I will root for anyone who can keep Anthony Johnson glued to the pine. Watching him play is almost as uncomfortable as remembering Carl Lewis singing the “National Anthem”. I guess Johnson is a hell of a locker room guy, Dwight Howards best friend, or has serious dirt on Otis Smith. Otherwise, what could explain how he is still on the roster?
Miami is coming into the game banged up, with starters Mario Chalmers, Quentin Richardson and Jermaine O’neal battling injuries. Let’s hope the Magic come out of the gate strong and pounce on a clearly weaker Miami Heat team. These are the games that help define how a team is going to play the rest of the year.
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