Orlando
Philip Maymin
Basketball News Services
The Magic lost to another sub-.500 club as the Toronto Raptors demolished the Magic105-94. The Magic have lost eight of their past ten games, losing to such non-powerhouses as Toronto, Chicago, and Milwaukee. Their two wins actually came against two of their toughest opponents: the San Antonio Spurs and the Denver Nuggets. Are the Magic just assuming these games should have been won?
They host Seattle tomorrow and if history is any indication, the Magic should find themselves pumped up for this game and perhaps able to win it. Then they face the more lowly Charlotte Bobcats and New Jersey Nets, all at home. If their recent results follow through, they will have a 1-3 homestand, beating only the good team.
But fortunately it doesn't sound like the Magic is taking these losses lying down. "If we don't play defense and rebound and stop worrying about scoring," Francis said, "we will not end our losing streak - plain and simple."
Perhaps the more inviting arena of home court, where the Magic still have a winning 9-4 record, unlike their more abysmal 6-10 road record, will help as well.
NEXT GAME
The Magic (15-14, third in the Southeast) have a three-day homestand now, first facing the Seattle SuperSonics (23-6, first in the Northwest) coming off a win over the other Florida team. That game is TOMORROW, Wednesday, January 5th, 2005. The game starts at 7:00pm Eastern and will be broadcast on the Sunshine Network and NBA League Pass.
TEAM NOTES
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INJURY UPDATE
Michael Bradley(hamstring),Brandon Hunter(elbow) and Andrew DeClercq(knee) are on the Magic's injured list.
The Ledgerwrites: Orlando got off to another slow start, trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half.In their previous three losses they trailed by as many as 19, 11 and 25 in the first half. Orlando's frustration showed in the fourth quarter when Francis received a late technical and Cuttino Mobley was ejected after getting back-to-back technicals.
Brian Schmitz ofThe Orlando Sentinelwrites: Orlando Magic Coach Johnny Davis did not waste any time returning center Kelvin Cato to the starting lineup.One game was enough... Injuries have taken their toll on the Magic's starting lineup this season. Heading into its game against the Raptors, Orlando had played just five games with all five of their projected starters on the floor. Only point guard Steve Francis and power forward Dwight Howard had played in all 28 games.
Brian Schmitz ofThe Orlando Sentinelwrites: That was Mary Carey mugging for the cameras at the Magic's game last Monday against the New York Knicks. Carey, the first porn star to campaign for a high government office in the United States, ran against Arnold Schwarzenegger for governor of California in 2003. Magic center Mario Kasun left tickets for Carey after meeting her in an Orlando nightclub.
Brian Schmitz ofThe Orlando Sentinelalso writes: Scoop Dog: Before the draft, the Atlanta Hawks offered Jason Terry, a swap of first-round picks and this year's first-rounder to the Magic.They wanted to move up to pick Atlanta native Dwight Howard