Spurs at Magic
THE STORY: Gregg Popovich isn’t oblivious to his team’s noticeable Achilles heel. "We're really good at home and on the road, we (stink). That's the biggest difference,” the San Antonio Spurs coach said Tuesday. While his comment was partially tongue-in-cheek, Popovich is well aware that the Spurs are in need of some improved play on the road. The Spurs will be looking for their first win away from home when they travel to face the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. The Magic, tied for the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, are rolling and have won 10 of 12 games. The two teams generally match up well, having split the last 10 meetings.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, Fox SW, Sun Sports
ABOUT THE SPURS (9-5): San Antonio’s road woes continued Tuesday as they watched a 17-point halftime lead evaporate in a 120-98 loss to the Dwyane Wade-less Miami Heat, dropping the Spurs to 0-5 in visiting arenas. Danny Green made 6 of 7 3-pointers to lead the team with 20 points. Richard Jefferson was held scoreless on three shots and has just 11 points over his last three outings. Rookie Kawhi Leonard has embraced his starting role, averaging 13 points and six rebounds in the previous five contests.
ABOUT THE MAGIC (10-3): Dwight Howard’s 25 points and 17 rebounds propelled Orlando to a 96-89 win over Charlotte on Tuesday. The Magic will try to keep the good vibes rolling against a pair of tough West squads in the next three days – San Antonio followed by the Los Angeles Lakers. "We gotta keep rolling, we gotta keep playing and not think too much into it," forward Ryan Anderson said. Howard (14.8) and Anderson (7.3) combine to average more than half of Orlando’s paltry 41.3 rebounds per game.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Anderson leads the NBA with 43 3-pointers, averaging 3.6 makes per game.
2. Magic guard Jason Richardson has missed two straight with a bone bruise in his right knee. He is not expected to face the Spurs.