Fantasia: Orlando Magic Fantasy Preview

Fantasy Breakdown:

With the lack of dominant centers in the league, Dwight Howard is a lock to be a top five fantasy pick. You get your money's worth with Howard, a player that loads you up with big numbers.

Offense: Look for Howard to provide you with around his normal 20 points per game with a field goal percentage over .550.

The area Dwight hurts most is from the line, where he spends a lot of time. Howard's free throw percentage is only slightly higher than his FG percentage. Assists aren't a strong point either with 1.4 per game, however, Howard may start kicking it out to Vince Carter a bit, boosting his totals.

Defense: Rebounds are not a problem as you can expect double digits and then some on a nightly basis. Expect somewhere around 14 rebounds per game.

Blocks can be hard to come by in fantasy basketball, but never fear, "Superman" is here. Dwight Howard has been improving his shot blocking and averaged 2.9 blocks per game last season.

Howard can also give you around a steal a game, which is a nice bonus for a big man.

Projected Round: Mid 1st

Fantasy Breakdown:

Rashard Lewis will alternate between SF and PF providing versatility. One problem is that Lewis will miss the first 10 games of the season due to a drug suspension. If anything, the missed time can make his stock fall, making 'Shard a value pickup.

Offense: Rashard Lewis will give you points, about 17 a game, from everywhere. The most important spot will be from beyond the arc. Lewis led the league in three pointers with 220 last year.

Lewis will provide you with at least a couple of assists per game and looks to improve on his .439 shooting average. 'Shard should get more open looks with Vince Carter around.

Defense: For a sharp shooter, Lewis uses his size and speed to grab about six or seven boards a game. Throw in a steal, on average, and 'Shard gives you some defensive help on the regular.

Projected Round Mid—Late 5th

Fantasy Breakdown:

Don't set your expectations too high for Vince Carter, but watch for him to also get overlooked in your draft. Coming over from the New Jersey Nets, Carter has more scorers around him than ever. It's tough to know how he will fare in his new surroundings.

Offense: Though Carter is aging, he still has the ability to put up point with the best in the NBA. Averaging 20.8 points a game last year as the Nets' number one scoring threat, "Vinsanity" should take a slight dip in his production.

Carter will have the motivation of a possible title shot so look for him to play a bit harder than he has in the past. With a plethora of scoring options, VC might exceed five assists per game. When Rashard Lewis returns, look for a spike in those totals.

Defense: Vince Carter has never been a defensive beast but with the potential to win it all this year, Carter might tighten up his game. He will give you about four boards and a steal per game with the occasional blocked shot.

Projected Round: Early—Late 4th

Fantasy Breakdown:

Jameer Nelson hurt a lot of fantasy teams last year by missing half of the season to injury. On the other hand, Nelson was well on his way to the best statistical season of his career.

Offense: Jameer Nelson doesn't get the assist totals of other premier PGs around the league, averaging just over five. With Vince Carter in the mix, those totals should go up. Nelson might lose out on some scoring, but should average over 15.0 a game.

Defense: Nothing too special here, with 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals on average. The steals have picked up from previous seasons and Nelson may be developing an eye for the ball.

Projected Round: Late 4th—Mid 5th

None of these guys should be drafted in your fantasy draft, but could help you out as the season wears on. Keep an eye on the waivers and be aware of injuries. Here are your sleeper picks for the Magic.

SG Mickael Pietrus: If sixth-man Pietrus can get more minutes he's the type of player than can give you a little bit of everything. The key here is Pietrus' intensity. Brought off the bench to provide a spark, Pietrus plays hard on both ends of the floor.

PF Brandon Bass: A newcomer to Orlando, Bass has the potential to rack up rebounds and may see some playing time at PF.

C Marcin Gortat: The Polish big man won't see much playing time unless something happens to Dwight Howard (heaven forbid). In that scenario, Gortat is a great source of blocks, rebounds and points. After signing a big extension, the Magic want to get their money's worth for Gortat

SF Matt Barnes: Barnes may get some playing time at SF to add toughness to an Orlando team seen as soft. Barnes provides a sweet touch from beyond the arc and may figure into the starting equation at some point.

PF Ryan Anderson: Anderson was the surprise of the preseason averaging 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and shooting .541 from downtown. We will see how Orlando uses his special young talent.