Preview: New Orleans Hornets at Orlando Magic, 7 p.m., Friday
Where/when: Amway Center, Orlando, 7 p.m. TV: SUN: RADIO: AM 580 WDBO; Spanish language: AM 1270 WRLZ.
My Take
With the Hornets in town, the Magic have their first chance since Jan. 8 in Dallas to beat a team with a winning record. Orlando saw its nine-game winning streak end 92-89 in OT in New Orleans on Jan. 12. Since that loss, the Magic are 9-7, losing to the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics (twice) while beating mediocre teams.
Dwight vs.:
Howard should have a field day against huge but slow-footed Aaron Gray, 7-foot, 270 pounds. Starter Emeka Okafor, Howard's 2004 draft-class partner, has been out with a stomach-muscle injury.
Marquee matchup
PF Ryan Anderson will try to keep David West from having a huge night. West is coming off a 32-point, 15-rebound game in OT loss to Nets in which he played 52 minutes.
3 Hornets facts
1.Lost last five, including games vs. Wizards, T-Wolves, Nets.
2. F David West leads in scoring at 19.0 ppg.
3.PG Chris Paul is averaging 16.5 ppg, 9.8 apg
