|
The Raptors take on the 7-3 Orlando Magic tonight and it will be an interesting test to see if they've learned anything from being disposed of by the Magic in five games in the 2008 playoffs. Dwight Howard is second in the NBA with 14 rebounds per game and first in the league with 4.2 blocks per game — so you know he's going to be a significant inside presence unless the Raptors can get him in foul trouble early. The Magic are currently fourth in Defensive Efficiency with 100.3 points allowed per 100 possessions, and Howard's increasing dominance has a lot to do with that.
On the offensive end, Howard is averaging 21.3 points per game on 60 percent shooting, and 82games.com reveals that 86 percent of his shots have been on the inside, and he's only made 33 percent of his jumpshots. So the trick is obviously to try to keep him away from the basket. Easier said than done, of course, but let's see if Jermaine O'Neal, Andrea Bargnani and Kris Humprhies can make a decent effort on that front.
The other thing to expect from the Magic is lots of long bombs. They're second in the NBA with 25 three-point attempts per game — even though they've only made 31.3 percent of those shots because Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson are all off to poor shooting starts this season. I can't say I feel comfortable with expecting them to continue to miss those shots, but if the alternative is to play them tight and leave Howard solo-covered in the post... well, pick your poison, Sam.
The Links
Dino Nation catches up with Matt Devlin in Orlando.
No word yet on whether or not Jose Calderon is playing tonight. Seems like it will probably be a game-time decision.
Jermaine O'Neal continues to be delusional about his offensive potency: "What eliminates great offense is making them play defense. I'll try to run (Dwight Howard) a little bit, make him guard me." What do you figure for the over-under on the number of times Dwight stuffs J.O. tonight? Six, maybe? I'd better have a light dinner tonight.
More about the Howard-O'Neal matchup. Props to Eric Koreen for referencing Hollinger in this piece. The new guard of savvy basketball analysts continues to infiltrate Toronto sports media.
It didn't take long for George Karl to throw Allen Iverson under the bus.
Adrian Wojnarowski has a good column about shady owners in the NBA.
Forum Blue and Gold eulogizes Pete Newell.
T-Mac is hurt again.
Good interview with Sam Cassell where he talks about being a veteran and mentoring younger players. Sam will make a good coach one day.
Ladies and gentlemen, the leading scorer of the Philadelphia 76ers: Thaddeus Young
I'll write up a post-game report for your consumption tonight. 
|
