Orlando, Fla.
(23-4) vs. (17-12)
Line: Magic by 2
Video Vault:
–Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel wonders whether the Magic matchup better with the Celtics after the trades rather than before. Doc Rivers said Orlando’s moves won’t change much of how Boston attacks Orlando.
—Jermaine O’Neal appears likely to return to the Celtics lineup against the Magic, Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe reports. But Jay King of Celtics Town says he will believe it when he sees it.
–Stan Van Gundy says Kevin Garnett has been the key to Boston’s success so far this season. Garnett is looking rejuvenated and hardly the player that has been hampered by injuries the last season and a half.
–Boston’s depth has been tested by injuries so far this season. Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald writes Celtics GM Danny Ainge likes seeing guys get their opportunity to play, even if it means the team is a little late in creating an identity.
—Ray Allen was a little late getting to practice. As Tim Povtak of FanHouse learned, it was for a little perspective on the meaning of working during the holidays.
–If Thursday was any sign, Otis Smith got Magic fans an early Christmas gift in last week’s trades, Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel writes.
–Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe writes the retooled Magic are part of a chaotic and uncertain Eastern Conference.
–ESPN’s Weekend Dime sizes up today’s Christmas Day matchups.
–If this were dodgeball, Chris Quinn would be out.
–The Magic are 4-3 on Christmas Day games, including last year’s loss to Boston.
