Cavaliers at Magic
THE STORY: Two teams that were both kings of the East not long ago meet Friday when the Orlando Magic host the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Magic just might be headed where the Cavaliers have already been – rebuilding after the loss of a superstar. The Cavaliers hit rock bottom last season and are on their way back up with top overall pick Kyrie Irving, who was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month this week. Irving is averaging better than 18 points per game and has totaled 42 points in the fourth quarter of Cleveland's last three games combined. Orlando is struggling – and sinking – amid the constant Dwight Howard trade rumors. The Magic have dropped four of five and six of nine while Howard appears disinterested at times, ripping teammates and middling through horrendous losses by a team that should be among the best in the East.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Ohio, Sun Sports
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (8-12): The Cavaliers are tied for third in the league in shot clock violations with 18 in 20 games. Countless other times, Cleveland has been rushed into bad shots at the end of possessions. It’s a big reason why coach Byron Scott is imploring his point guards to push the tempo. Scott wants the Cavaliers scoring in transition, and when that’s not possible, getting into the offense quicker so there’s more time for a high percentage look at the basket.
ABOUT THE MAGIC (13-9): Coach Stan Van Gundy conceded to the Orlando Sentinel this week he is taking prescribed sleeping pills during this dreadful losing streak. The injury situation won’t help him rest any easier. Jameer Nelson will miss another game with concussion symptoms and J.J. Redick is slowed by a bad hamstring. The Magic are struggling to get the ball up the court with Chris Duhon and the newly signed Ish Smith filling in for Nelson.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Anthony Parker will miss his second straight game for the Cavaliers, meaning undrafted rookie Mychel Thompson will get another start at shooting guard.
2. Howard has already posted five 20-point, 20-rebound games this season. Cleveland center Anderson Varejao just had the first of his career Tuesday against Boston.
3. With the All-Star game in Orlando, Howard finished as the league’s top vote-getter with 1,600,390 votes.