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Magic @ Celtics; 11/20, 8:00 PM, TD Garden
Topic Started: Nov 20 2009, 12:21 PM (858 Views)
MagicMadness
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Who: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics
What: NBA Regular Season Game #13
Where: TD Garden
When: 11/20, 8:00 PM
TV: ESPN

YAHOO! GAME PREVIEW

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/preview;_ylt=A...?gid=2009112002

The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic waged a back-and-forth seven-game series in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, with the Magic eliminating the Celtics in Boston en route to the NBA finals.

Based on their early success this fall, the teams may have to meet again if either wants to play for the title for a second straight year.

The last two East champions will tangle Friday night in Boston for the first time since their playoff showdown, with Orlando looking for a fourth straight victory and the Celtics hoping to continue their recovery from some recent stumbles.

Boston was without star forward Kevin Garnett(notes) for its entire playoff run, but got to a Game 7 against Orlando and was playing at home. The Magic, however, put together a dominating fourth quarter to win 101-82 and dethrone the Celtics.

Orlando (9-3) eventually lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, but despite some changes and early problems, the team is looking like a contender to get back to the finals.

Coach Stan Van Gundy wasn’t always happy with his players during the Magic’s 6-3 start, but he seemed content after they won their third straight Wednesday night, beating Oklahoma City 108-94.

In his second game after a 10-game drug suspension, Rashard Lewis(notes) had 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists despite sitting out the fourth quarter.

“Maybe I should have put Rashard back in there, but I don’t think in terms of individual awards or accomplishments,” Van Gundy said. “We’re on our eighth starting lineup and that’s more than I used all of last season. I’m more worried about my guys giving a consistent effort every night and we certainly got that tonight.”

In addition to Lewis’ suspension, Orlando has dealt with injuries or illness that have caused Vince Carter(notes), Mickael Pietrus(notes), Ryan Anderson(notes) and Brandon Bass(notes) to miss time. Point guard Jameer Nelson(notes) is expected to be out 4-6 weeks after having knee surgery Wednesday.

Nelson, though, was the only key player to miss Wednesday’s victory, as Carter scored a team-high 18 points. The Magic acquired Carter to replace departed swingman Hedo Turkoglu(notes), who had 25 points and 12 assists in the decisive playoff victory over Boston.

Veteran Jason Williams(notes) filled in for Nelson and had only four points and five assists, but turned the ball over once in 29 minutes.

“I just try to run all the time and hope that the rest of the guys run with me,” Williams told the Magic’s official Web site. “I think (the Magic are better running) because then teams can’t load up on (star center) Dwight (Howard).”

The Celtics (9-3) will likely try to slow the pace and rely on their defense, as they are among three teams allowing fewer than 90 points per game.

A healthier Garnett has returned as the centerpiece defensively, and Boston added veteran Rasheed Wallace(notes) to a star-studded lineup as it hopes to make another run at the franchise’s 18th NBA title. Paul Pierce(notes) and Ray Allen(notes) remain the team’s top scorers.

The Celtics’ play, however, has been uneven after their 6-0 start. They lost back-to-back games against Atlanta and Indiana before rebounding with a 109-95 victory over Golden State on Wednesday.

Rajon Rondo(notes) led the way with 18 points and 12 assists after averaging 7.0 points and 6.5 assists in the previous two games.

“I thought he changed the momentum of the game,” Garnett said. “I thought he was a lot more solid. He was aggressive. He picked up the energy.”
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NYCMagicFan
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Old School
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Im not gonna be home for this game! Gonna have to set the DVR. Hate not being able to watch the games Live.
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Vinnie
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Legend
God I'd love to win this game tonight!
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Punisher
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Pure domination
Time to step up against the best team of the East. Go Magic!
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LuckyLuciano
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Sixth Man
Dwight and Van Gundy had a meeting earlier this week to talk about Van Gundys constant negativity.
Coach agreed that he had to lighten up.
Hope this change brings sum extra enthusiasm in tonites game.
We need this one.
Go Magic!
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iceveins333
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Rocks blocking shots on guys with dreadlocks
i felt like we brought in bass and barnes for games like this. i'm curious to see if they'll see alot of time and how ryan holds up against the celtics frontline. i still feel like dwight is gonna struggle against perk/sheed though so shard and vince gotta step up for the win tonight.
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Vinnie
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Legend
I'm not counting on Dwight at all tonight, Vince has to be big same with Shard. Plus we need big bench play.
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CZ Eddie
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Rookie
Nice start by everyone so far.
Garnett not being much of a factor yet though.
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gomagic33
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Mr. Anderson
We look good early. I hope we keep this up. If we play aggressive basketball everything falls into place.
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gomagic33
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Mr. Anderson
WTF is Doug Collins talking about Dwight having previous problems with Brain Hill? lol He is clueless about what he is talking about.
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Punisher
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Pure domination
Good start to the game. Rashard is having a great game so far.
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Vinnie
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gomagic33
Nov. 20, 2009 09:22 PM
WTF is Doug Collins talking about Dwight having previous problems with Brain Hill? lol He is clueless about what he is talking about.

Jeff Van Gundy ;)
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Vinnie
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Damn it Peaches stepped out of bound! What a quarter he had though, same for Rashard. Great 1st quarter! Keep it up!!!

Our defense was GREAT! Best quarter of basketball we've played on that end of the floor all year!
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gomagic33
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Mr. Anderson
Man! That should have counted.

Nice 1st quarter for the Magic. I like the energy and composure they are showing. We are maturing as a team.
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LuckyLuciano
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Sixth Man
I cant believe Howard aint got nuthin but 1 foul after the 1st. They usually give him 3 by now.
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