This Week in Magic: Week Two Orlando Stands at 3-0

The first week of the NBA season is in the books and Orlando has looked like the beast we thought they would be. After three games, two of them on the road, the Magic are undefeated.

Kicking off the season at home, Orlando was able to hoist up the Eastern Conference Championship banner at Amway Arena.

A few things, however, caught fans by surprise. In the opener against the Sixers, a new face showed up big for Orlando. Ryan Anderson, part of that Vince Carter trade, started at power forward, in place of Rashard Lewis. Over the three games, Anderson has averaged 17.3 points and four rebounds.

Vince Carter looked great until he injured his ankle in game two against his former team, the New Jersey Nets. X-rays came back negative, so there is nothing to worry about going forward. Maybe Carter takes it easy for the next few contests.

The loss of Carter gave JJ Redick a chance to shine in the Sunday game in Toronto. Redick exploded for 27 points against the Raptors, leading the Magic to victory in their third game.

In the coming week Orlando has four games, starting and ending at home. On the road for two, the Magic will face a red-hot Phoenix Suns team that features a potent offense. Here is a preview of the week's games.

Tuesday, November 3 @ Detroit Pistons

Orlando travels to Detroit to face the 1-2 Detroit Pistons in the first of two games the teams face off in this week. Detroit is struggling to find its identity right now, and looks to pull things together.

SG Richard Hamilton is the de facto leader in the Motor City, after the departure of PG Chauncey Billups and PF Rasheed Wallace. A former member of the championship 2003-04 Pistons, C Ben Wallace is back in the Detroit uniform and leads the team in rebounds and blocks.

New additions to the team, SG Ben Gordon and F Charlie Villanueva look to solidify their roles on the team. Gordon is leading the team in points, averaging 24.3, while Villanueva is struggling to make an impact.

Youngster Rodney Stuckey is trying to emerge as a top point guard this year. Stuckey leads the team in assists and is averaging 15.3 points.

Veteran Tayshaun Prince has been the center of trade rumors with Hamilton as Detroit goes into rebuilding mode. Look for one of them to be moved by the trade deadline.

Orlando should be able to beat Detroit with little problem.

Wednesday, November 4 vs. Phoenix Suns

The biggest test for the Magic, thus far, comes in the form of the undefeated Phoenix Suns.

Steve Nash is one of the best point guards in the NBA and leads a high-scoring offense into Orlando. SG Jason Richardson has been leading the attack, averaging 23 points a game.

Thanks to the Phoenix training staff, SF Grant Hill seems to have a fresh pair of legs under him as he is scoring and rebounding with the best. Newcomer Channing Frye seems to be a perfect fit in the fast-paced offense as he joins Amare Stoudemire in the front court.

The Suns will score points, but the Magic can score with them. Orlando has a much stronger defense and will look to slow the game down. Phoenix will likely leave town with their first loss of the year.

Friday, November 6 vs. Detroit Pistons

Detroit comes to Orlando for their second meeting of the week. Detroit is in a transitional phase and don't look like much of a roadblock for the cruising Magic.

Orlando should light the Pistons up at home, running wild past some of the aging veterans. Detroit may by a more fearsome squad as the season progresses and the team takes shape.

Sunday, November 8 @ Oklahoma City Thunder

Orlando hits the road Sunday to take on one of the most promising young teams in the league, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The outstanding SG/SF Kevin Durant is emerging as one of the top five talents in the NBA today. Oklahoma City has surrounded Durant with plenty of up and coming talent to make the team a surprising force in the Western Conference.

Russell Westbrook is looking to have a breakout season as s scoring point guard. They also picked up another scorer in rookie SG James Harden, who is trying to fit in on the team behind SG Thabo Sefolosha.

The Oklahoma City front court is not intimidating from a defensive standpoint. Yes, PF Jeff Green puts up points, but Green is a bit undersized at 6'9" and not a fearsome defender. Alongside centers Nenad Krstic and Etan Thomas, there is not much of an answer for Dwight Howard.

Despite the potent scoring attack of Durant, Westbrook, and Green, Oklahoma City will struggle for ways to stop the massively deep Orlando Magic.