Orlando looks to even up the series

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic
7:00 PM ET, February 15, 2012
Amway Center, Orlando, FL
Coverage: Sun Sport

The chance to tie up the series at one game apiece is good enough motivation for the Orlando Magic to work just that much harder when they host the eastern conference leader, Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers had beaten the Magic on January 30th in Orlando by 5 points, Howard lead the way with 17 points while Anderson grabbed a game high 20 rebounds. This game will complete a 3 game east coast road trip for Philadelphia, while Orlando prepares for a 5 gamer of their own.

The Philadelphia 76ers have played at such a high level that most experts are baffled at the idea that they have the talent to make it all the way to the finals and represent the eastern conference in the big game, which would be a first for the franchise. Ranking second in the league in defense, which is something that they were not counting own, given the fact that their roster is 40% rookies and youth, still high they rank 12th overall in offense, scoring just under 96 points per game. Lead by veteran point guard Lou Williams, who is averaging 15.7 points in just over 25 minutes of play per game.

The Orlando Magic still seem to be a little fazed over all the trade rumors on all-star center Dwight Howard, but as per their owner, they do not have any plans of trading him anywhere and are willing to add around him to make the team better. Having only lost 2 games this month, the Magic are on a roll, cutting through teams like a hot knife through butter, averaging 43 rebounds a game, ranking them 9th overall in that category. Defense has been somewhat of a concern, but in recent games they have address most issues and they have kept opponents to under 92 points, ranking them 6th in the NBA.

Controlling the boards will be key for Philadelphia in this game, their big man will have their hands full trying to box out the so called “superman”, but on the other hand the Magic tend to get a little sloppy and have a tendency of turning the ball over. Protecting the rock will be important and will lead one of these two teams to victory. I like the Magic in this game, at home and having lost there to this team already, will make sure it doesn’t happen again.