76ers at Magic
THE STORY: The
Philadelphia 76ers have an opportunity to move a game ahead of the New
York Knicks for seventh place in the Eastern Conference when they visit
the Orlando Magic on Monday. The 76ers will get a break in facing the
Magic without superstar center Dwight Howard, who will miss his fifth
consecutive game with a bulging disk in his back. The Magic clinched a
playoff berth Sunday, but it came with a price as center Glen Davis
suffered a sprained right knee.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBATV, CS Philadelphia, FS Florida (Orlando)
ABOUT THE 76ERS (31-28):
Philadelphia is kicking off a back-to-back-to-back in Orlando and plays
six of its final seven games on the road. With Milwaukee looming 2½
games back, the 76ers cannot afford a performance similar to Friday’s
home loss against injury-riddled New Jersey, a team they beat by 19
points three nights earlier. Shooting guard Jodie Meeks has done little
to support coach Doug Collins’ decision to move him back into the
starting lineup, scoring a combined 15 points in his last three games.
ABOUT THE MAGIC (35-25): Davis’ injury could turn out to be
devastating for Orlando. There is no timetable for the return of Howard,
who will be re-evaluated in 10 days. A non-factor for much of the
season, Davis has thrived since taking over for Howard in the post. In
seven starts prior to Sunday, Davis recorded five double-doubles and
averaged 18.7 points and 11.4 rebounds in that span. Daniel Orton, who
had scored only six points all season, had 11 after replacing Davis on
Sunday.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Orlando has won five of the last six meetings, including two of three this season.
2. 76ers reserve Thaddeus Young has averaged 16.3 points and 6.6 rebounds in his last three games.
3. The Magic are tied with the Atlanta Hawks for fifth place in the East.