The Magic come off back to back losses to Utah and Toronto, disappointingly losing both in their new arena, the Amway Center. No longer able to rely on their three point shooting as the shooters have went cold, Orlando has struggled to score at times, and was outscored by 19 in the last quarter against the Jazz. Rashard Lewis has all but disappeared, producing very little and looking unmotivated. Dwight Howard needs more touches and more field goal attempts, as the team has went away from the inside-outside plan that is their bread and butter.
The Nets are coming off a back-to-back stint against the Cleveland Cavs, which featured both teams winning on the other’s home court. Arguably their best player, Brook Lopez, has been a complete non factor of late. He only played 19 minutes in the victory against the Cavs, battling foul trouble the entire game. And when on the court his play has been horrible, as well. Over the last five games, Lopez is shooting 28% from the floor and managing only 11 ppg and 5 rpg, well below his season averages from last year of nearly 19 ppg and 9 rpg. Part of it can be attributed to Lopez seeing more double teams, but he is going to have to adjust to the coverage in order for the Nets to succeed. Tonight will be no easy task against single coverage, as Dwight Howard repeatedly has shut down the league’s best centers. If Howard can completely negate Lopez’ effect, which he likely will, it will make it a very difficult game for New Jersey to win, or even cover the spread.
The other key matchup tonight is Devin Harris vs Jameer Nelson. Harris is having a much better year than last year, shooting 8% better from the field and scoring 2 more points a game. Nelson has typically had a tough time covering Harris in the past, and if Devin Harris can get off for a big game, to the tune of 30 points or so, it could result in a Nets’ win. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that Harris has upped his averages from last year in 3 fewer minutes a game.
Some Statistical Facts:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Orlando’s past 7 games. Tonight the total is 190. Orlando is averaging 99.9 ppg and New Jersey is averaging 91.6 for a total of 191.5, so expect the total to run very close tonight. Orlando is 2-4 ATS in the last 6 games in New Jersey. The Total has gone UNDER in 5 of the last 6 meetings in New Jersey. New Jersey is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games at home.
In addition to the Devin Harris vs Jameer Nelson matchup, another to watch will be the unheralded Anthony Morrow against Vince Carter. Carter’s defense was atrocious against Toronto last night, giving up a career high to DeMar Derozan of 27 points. Morrow is certainly capable of taking advantage of poor defense and could have a big night. He is one of the best three point shooters in the league and if Vince slacks off on defense it could mean big trouble for Orlando. What’s more is that this is the second night of a back to back for the Magic while the Nets are coming off of two days rest. If the Magic are lethargic, the fresh legged Nets could capitalize and get off to an early start. That will be something to watch and keep an eye on. This promises to be a close game and there’s a good chance New Jersey covers the spread.
