Things to pay attention to: Orlando vs. Houston

by Tom Martin on Dec 23, 2009 4:45 PM CST in Random Commentary

Some interesting tidbits to keep in mind when watching tonight's game at Orlando:

1. Despite boasting Dwight Howard, Orlando is not a very good offensive rebounding team - they're actually the fifth worst in the league. However, the Magic lead the NBA in defensive rebounding rate, which sucks for us. We like to grab the offensive rebounds and keep possessions alive; the Magic don't allow for that to happen often. In other words, we're going to have to shoot really well. This includes free throws, Trevor.

2. Let us pray that Orlando decides to constantly feed their Superman. Sounds silly, but it would actually play in our favor. Most teams don't like to shoot threes on the Rockets and assume they can bully their way into dominating the paint. The Magic, on the other hand, shoot (and make) the most threes per game of anyone. If Orlando were to get cocky and try to constantly attack the paint, unlike most teams, it would actually take them out of their game. The less threes, the better.

3. This is Brian Cook's chance to unleash hell on the team that traded him to Houston last season. Vengeance is a powerful force, unless you're stuck on the bench.

For more on the Magic, check out Ben Q. Rock's newly revitalized Orlando Pinstriped Post.

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Matchup issues

Basically, Orlando does what Houston does: score in the paint, rebound, and shoot threes. Unfortunately, the Magi are better at those things than the Rockets are.

I feel pretty confidant about the Chuck/Dwight matchup. Dwight’s not that much bigger than Hayes, and he doesn’t have any real jumpshot or post game.

The Dream Shake

by Only_A_Lad on Dec 23, 2009 5:30 PM CST reply actions

Yeah I've been waiting for this matchup

Dwight Howard is 6’10-6’11, and can only go straight up. If Chuck can play his usual smart post defense, then hopefully he can get Superman to turn it over and take bad hook shots all night.

by RedRowdy420 on Dec 23, 2009 5:34 PM CST up reply actions

Superman can make those hook shots this year...he just hasnt had his usual touches this season

"Every time you turn on ESPN you see Bama" - Earl Thomas' answer when asked what excites him most about the National Championship.

To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.

by TexasHoosier on Dec 23, 2009 5:35 PM CST up reply actions

Ariza/Battier on Vince Carter is a nice matchup, too

The Dream Shake

by Only_A_Lad on Dec 23, 2009 5:40 PM CST up reply actions

true but Scola on Lewis is not

"Every time you turn on ESPN you see Bama" - Earl Thomas' answer when asked what excites him most about the National Championship.

To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.

by TexasHoosier on Dec 23, 2009 5:50 PM CST up reply actions

Anderson on Rashard?

Not gonna happen much but it is a better match up

by RedRowdy420 on Dec 23, 2009 6:11 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

If Dwight and Lewis are in the game

At the same time as Anderson and Hayes/Scola, Anderson would probably guard Lewis

"Every time you turn on ESPN you see Bama" - Earl Thomas' answer when asked what excites him most about the National Championship.

To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.

by TexasHoosier on Dec 23, 2009 6:24 PM CST up reply actions

You were right. First play of the game, Scola loses track of Lewis, who sinks the open 3 pointer while a late Scola crashes into him on the closeout, for a 4-point play.

Orlando Pinstriped Post: Blogging the Orlando Magic with Energy and Enthusiasm Since 2007 | Third Quarter Collapse Is Now Orlando Pinstriped Post

by Evan Dunlap on Dec 24, 2009 2:05 AM CST up reply actions

it's Andersen guys, Andersen

"We obviously didn’t know the scouting report that well on Andersen. We knew he’s a shooter but we didn’t see him play at that level." Phil Jackson on underestimating the aussie

by DREAM34 on Dec 23, 2009 11:26 PM CST reply actions