Magic at Celtics
THE STORY:
In the very recent past, a battle between the Orlando Magic and Boston
Celtics could represent a preview of the Eastern Conference finals or at
least the semifinals. This season, the Celtics are three games below
.500 and the Magic are holding their breath as their franchise player
keeps a trade demand on the table. Right now, Orlando is tied for first
in the Southeast Division. A trade of Dwight Howard dulls their outlook
considerably. Boston got a turn-back-the-clock performance from Paul
Pierce on Sunday but lost Ray Allen to a jammed ankle in the second
quarter of a win over the lowly Washington Wizards. “At the end of the
day, your big players have to play well for you to win, especially games
when you have guys out,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. Boston hopes to
have both Allen and point guard Rajon Rondo back in the lineup when
they host the Magic on Monday.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV, SunSports (Orlando), CS New England (Boston)
ABOUT THE MAGIC (11-4):
Howard’s trade demands are having an effect on the entire league, with
the Los Angeles Lakers and New Jersey Nets particularly caught in limbo.
Despite the distraction, Orlando has won six of seven with Howard
leading the way. The All-NBA center has pulled down 48 rebounds in the
last two games and leads the NBA with an average of 16.1 boards. In the
last three games, Howard has put up 23.3 points and 21.7 rebounds.
ABOUT THE CELTICS (6-9):
Pierce is finally rounding into form four weeks into the season. The
All-Star forward missed the bulk of training camp and the first three
games with a heel injury and has been slowly playing his way into shape.
He recorded season highs in points (34) and assists (10) on Sunday.
Boston had averaged 82.3 points in seven games prior to Sunday, dropping
six. Boston has yet to beat a team with a winning record.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Boston took two of three in the series last season and beat the Magic in six games during the 2010 playoffs.
2. Pierce has averaged 22.2 points in 45 career games against Orlando.
3. Howard has averaged 16.4 points in 25 games against the Celtics - his second-lowest mark against any team.