Game 45 Preview: Nets (15-29) at Orlando Magic (28-16)

Orlando's skyline is nothing like that of New York City, where the Nets will be next season. But he chose Central Florida and that's what he's going to have to deal with. No Waffling!

UPDATE: Sundiata Gaines will be starting tonight as D-Will (calf), Jordan Farmar (groin), and new addition Gerald Wallace (taking team physical in NJ) all won't be playing this evening. Farmar is day-to-day while D-Will and Wallace will play tomorrow in Newark as the Nets take on the New Orleans Hornets.


All I can say is wow. The day after Dwight Howard decides that he won't become a free agent this offseason (and possibly join the Nets) and will remain with the Magic through next season, his Magic team plays the Nets...in Orlando. I'm sure there will be some mixed emotions for Dwight at the Amway Arena, with cheers winning out. The Nets probably won't have their trade deadline acquisition, Gerald Wallace, or point guard Deron Williams for the game so they will most likely be trotting out a less-than-intimidating line-up of Hump, Marshon Brooks, and a few reserves. Regardless, this game will be an interesting one.


Background on Orlando

Since Dwight Howard is still on the Magic (for the relative meantime), he will be the Nets' main focus in this game for both offensive and defensive purposes. Howard is a force-to-be-reckoned-with in the paint and really makes it hard for opposing players to score near the hoop. He also commands multiple defenders when he's on offense and even then can he have his way at the rim with dunks, lay-ups, and even hook shots. His supporting cast isn't great but since most of them are sharpshooters from behind-the-arc, the Nets will have a lot of trouble with this team because, as we know too well, the Nets aren't so good at perimeter defense.

Probable Lineups 

NJN- Gaines (PG), Brooks (SG), Stevenson (SF), Humphries (PF), She. Williams (C)

ORL- Nelson (PG), Redick (SG), Turkoglu (SF), Ryan Anderson (PF), Howard (C)

Prediction

There is nothing more I would love to say than that I think the Nets will be able to win tonight but I just don't see it happening. The Nets won't have their two best players for the game while the Magic, and their home fans, will be pumped up to see their star center again. 102-87 Orlando.