Magic at Warriors
THE STORY: Golden State has the rare opportunity to defeat what are considered the top three teams in the Eastern Conference when the Warriors host Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic on Thursday night. The Magic head into the Bay Area after nearly blowing a 23-point lead before holding off Portland 107-104 on Wednesday and dealing the Trail Blazers their first home loss after a 6-0 start. The Magic made a season-high 16 3-pointers and appeared ready to ease past the Trail Blazers, making 11 3-pointers and shooting 63 percent from the field for a 62-50 halftime lead. “We played pretty well for 38 minutes, and then we were just awful against the presses and the traps, and the high pick and roll at the end,” Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said. The Warriors, who defeated Chicago 99-91 on Dec. 26, earned an unlikely 111-106 victory over Miami in overtime Tuesday as reserve Nate Robinson scored 24 points, including a perfect 14 of 14 from the line. Dorell Wright scored 20, including 6 of 11 3-pointers.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
ABOUT THE MAGIC (7-3): Orlando power forward Ryan Anderson returns to his roots - he played for Cal - and is having his best season. He averages 17.8 points and 7.5 rebounds. Despite being 6-foot-10 and 240 pounds, Anderson also is shooting 33 of 80 (41.3 percent) from 3-point range. Magic forward Quentin Richardson (sprained left ankle) might be back Monday when the Magic plays at New York. Richardson has missed three games.
ABOUT THE WARRIORS (3-6): The Warriors are likely to be without guard Stephen Curry (sprained ankle) tonight and he might not return until after the team’s upcoming four-game trip. Not to worry, the Warriors seem to be doing fine with Curry’s backup, Nate Robinson. Signed last week, Robinson is quickly contributing off the bench. He averages 14.7 points and 4.7 assists. “He is exactly who we thought he was: (a) high energy, explosive offensive guy, (who is) very passionate, (and a) great competitor,” coach Mark Jackson said.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Golden State is the only team to have beaten both of last season’s Eastern Conference finalists.
2. Golden State has lost four of five at home to Orlando, winning last season in overtime 123-120 as Ellis scored 39 points.
3. The Warriors have not won a series against the Magic in 19 seasons.