Magic at Raptors
Neither the Toronto Raptors nor the Orlando Magic have been able to generate much positive momentum early in the season, but one will have something to build on after the Raptors host the Magic on Sunday afternoon in a matchup of struggling squads. The Magic, who snapped a five-game losing streak on Friday by rallying for a 110-106 win at Detroit, will try to match a modest season high with a second consecutive win.
The Raptors haven't had the luxury of winning two straight, as they saw the opportunity pass them by with a 107-89 thumping at Boston on Saturday. They'll have to try to bounce back against an Orlando team that has had their number. The Magic have won seven of the last 10 and 11 of 17 regular-season meetings, including all three last season.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FSN (Orlando), RSN (Toronto)
ABOUT THE MAGIC (3-5): Although the team's biggest star is gone with Dwight Howard in Los Angeles with the Lakers, Orlando is getting great balance with all five starters and one reserve averaging double-digit scoring - even without Al Harrington (knee) and Hedo Turkoglu (broken left hand). Arron Afflalo leads the way at 16.5 points, but sharp-shooting guard J.J. Redick (15.8 points, 5.5 assists) and power forward Glen Davis (15.6 points, 8.3 rebounds) aren't far behind.
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (2-7): Toronto has its share of capable scorers, with five players averaging double digits, but they haven't always taken care of the defensive end. Opponents have scored an average of 101.3 points, and that includes stellar defensive efforts in both wins (86 and 72 points). DeMar DeRozan (18.9 points), Kyle Lowry (18.3 points) and Andrea Bargnani (11.1 points) are the clear offensive leaders, but Lowry has missed the past five games with a foot injury and isn't expected to return for two more weeks.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Orlando has rallied from deficits of 13 points or more in two of its three victories.
2. The Raptors already are playing on consecutive days for the fourth time, and both of their wins have come in the second game of back-to-back sets.
3. Magic PG Jameer Nelson had 13 points and 10 assists Friday in his first game since suffering groin and hamstring injuries in the season opener.