Raptors (11-16) vs. Magic (18-6)
Time/TV: 7 p.m./Sun Sports
Key Matchup: Chris Bosh (24.2 PPG, 11.5 RPG) vs. Dwight Howard (18.2 PPG, 12.7 RPG)
-The NBA officially rescinded Dwight Howard’s technical foul from Monday’s game and upgraded Troy Murphy’s technical to a flagrant foul. Hopefully it will lead to a closer scrutiny of the fouls against Dwight Howard.
-Josh Robbins of The Orlando Sentinel reports Otis Smith, Stan Van Gundy and the Orlando magic will continue to support its players competing in international competitions. Marcin Gortat said he was mentally fatigued after competing in the European Championships in Poland this summer.
–Hedo Turkoglu returns to Orlando for the first time since the trade this summer. Several Magic players expect him to get a warm reception.
-Toronto went into last night’s matchup in Miami talking the talk, but like most games this season the Raptors did not walk the walk defensively and the Heat torched them for it.
–Miami was struggling at home. Keyword: struggling. The Raptors defense struggled again last night as the Heat got their 97-point average early in the fourth quarter on their way to the win.
–Hedo Turkoglu expects fans at Amway Arena to understand his reasons for leaving and may even get some cheers for the Magic faithful.
-Raptors HQ is starting to worry about how the Raptors are losing. Last night was Toronto’s 10th loss by 13 or more points, and the team is on pace to get beat at a rate that seemed unfathomable at the beginning of the season.
-Rumors are Jameer Nelson is close to a return and HoopsWorld reports Nelson could be back practicing with the team this weekend and might be ready to play this Monday against Utah.
-Austin Burton of DIME Magazine says Dwight needs an enforcer.
–UPDATE Tania Ganguli reports Mickael Pietrus missed shootaround this morning and is a game-time decision. JJ Redick or Matt Barnes would start in his place.
