Orlando, Fla.
(18-13) vs. (20-12)
Line: Magic by 7.5
Video Vault:
–George Diaz of the Orlando Sentinel believes Otis Smith needs one more piece — a backup center — to reach a championship level. Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld reports the Magic have been actively searching for that backup big man, but are finding few takers for what they are offering.
—Kevin Garnett’s injury might be good news for a Magic team hoping to gain ground in the standings.
–Evan Dunlap of Orlando Pinstriped Post writes JJ Redick is hardly untradeable, but the Magic should be careful in using him to fill its need at backup center.
—Amar’e Stoudemire has been pressed into duty as the Knicks’ starting center. Something he has been reluctant to do throughout his career. But Howard Beck of The New York Times writes Stoudemire’s maturity has allowed him to accept that role for New York.
—Dwight Howard could expose the Knicks lack of front court depth if Stoudemire has to play center, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News writes. Stoudemire tells Marc Berman of the New York Post he is excited for the challenge of facing Dwight Howard.
–It has been hard to find Gilbert Arenas without a smile on his face since joining the Magic. As he explains, he gets to be himself again.
—Raymond Felton tells Tim Povtak of FanHouse he has finally found his home in New York.
—Gilbert Arenas may have been on New York’s radar at one point. But Arenas heard through the grapevine that he was ultimately not a Mike D’Antoni point guard.
—Earl Clark may not get much opportunity to play for the rest of the season, but, as he did in Cleveland, Clark must take advantage of the opportunity when he does get in. All I have to say is #FreeEarlClark.
–Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni continues to defend the job Chris Duhon did as his starting point guard the last two years, despite his poor record.
–Orlando is known for its pick and roll offense. So is Mike D’Antoni. Mike Kurylo of Knickerblogger breaks down the Knicks pick and roll.
–Seth Rosenthal of New York Magazine reports the Knicks might be looking to trade the enigmatic Anthony Randolph. Minnesota may be one of the teams interested and New York might have an interest in Luke Ridnour.
—Quentin Richardson is sick, and being kept as far away from the team as possible.
—Getting easy shots is usually a pretty certain way to get a win.
–Brett Roberts of Magic Sideline asks Magic fans: “Are You Thankful?”
—Orlando’s 3-point shooting is up since the trade, writes Brian Schmitz of the Orlando sentinel.
—Dwight Howard continues to lead Eastern Conference players in All-Star votes, while Amar’e Stoudemire is third among forwards behind Kevin Garnett and LeBron James.
–The Magic were one of the worst fast breaking teams in the league. The trades have changed all that.
—The Magic seem to be back to their winning ways. The Knicks will be the only winning team they face for a while.
