Orlando Magic Week 20: Vince Carter Starts to Lead

The Orlando Magic have rounded into a playoff ready machine. Dwight Howard has started to get some regular rest, Brandon Bass has found his way into the lineup, and Vince Carter has finally shown the ability to lead the team.

The LA Clippers entered Amway Arena on Tuesday night, unaware that GM Mike Dunleavy had been fired. Orlando did nothing to soften the blow, taking care of the Clips 113-87.

Howard led all players with 22 points and 15 rebounds. Jameer Nelson chipped in with 17 points and eight assists.

Baron Davis did not start the game, complaining of a stomachache and dizziness. That didn't stop him from leading the team with 16 points and nine assists off the bench.

The Magic followed that win with a 111-83 victory Thursday night against the Bulls. Already without Joakim Noah and Luol Deng, the Bulls lost Derrick Rose after a hard foul from Dwight Howard forced the Bull's point guard to grab his wrist in pain. Rose was unable to return to action.

Vince Carter took charge for Orlando, scoring 23 points in 26 minutes of play. Howard played only 20 minutes in the blowout, giving increased court time to Brandon Bass and Marcin Gortat.

Without Rose, the Bulls relied on role players to carry the scoring load. James Johnson led the way with 13, as Hakim Warrick and rookie Taj Gibson each added 12.

The Washington Wizards were Orlando's next victims at home as the Magic soared to a 109-95 win on Saturday night. The win gave Orlando an eight game win streak.

Emerging star Andray Blatche delighted the DC crowd by leading all scorers with 32 points in the game. The oft-injured Shaun Livingston wound up with 18 points and eight assists in 31 minutes of play.

Howard, once again, scored the bulk of the points for Orlando, finishing with 28 and adding 15 rebounds. Brandon Bass was worked into the game for 30 minutes and capitalized with 16 points and nine boards.

The Magic then hosted the Charlotte Bobcats as the second part of a back-to-back on Sunday. Orlando took a tough loss against a tough team, coming out on the bottom of a 96-89 battle.

Howard was able to put up 27 points and 16 rebounds, with Carter throwing up 23 of his own. Mickael Pietrus had 20 points in relief of the injured Matt Barnes (sprained big toe).

Stephen Jackson was hard to stop as he wrangled 28 points, six assists, and six rebounds to lead the Bobcats. New addition Tyrus Thomas had nine points and nine boards in only 21 minutes.

With the win streak broken at eight, the Magic still hold the third best record (47-21) in the NBA. Facing off with two playoff teams in a short week, Orlando should be up for the test.

Wednesday, March 17 Vs. San Antonio Spurs (39-25)

Winners of seven of their last eight, the San Antonio Spurs are playing some of their best ball of the season. The Magic will benefit from being the second part of a back-to-back that has the Spurs going to Miami before Orlando.

Tim Duncan is no spring chicken but continues to be one of the most dominant forces in the NBA. Leading San Antonio with 18.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, Duncan still has what it takes.

With Tony Parker out (broken hand), the Spurs have leaned on George Hill to run the point and let Manu Ginobili and Richard Jefferson carry more of the scoring load.

DeJuan Blair has been a pleasant surprise for the Spurs this season by putting up solid numbers off the bench. Blair fell to the second round of last year's draft due to concerns over his lack of ACLs.

Dwight Howard will be busy with Duncan up front, so expect Orlando to focus on the Spurs' thin backcourt. Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter should have good games.

Thursday, March 18 at Miami Heat (35-22)

The Miami Heat continue their roller coaster season. After losing four straight, the Heat have won six of their last seven games. In the six wins, Miami has scored 100 or more points. In the losses, they haven't cracked 100 once.

Dwyane Wade continues to look like a player stranded without strong support around him. Wade is averaging over 10 points more (26.5) than the next closest scorer on the team, Michael Beasley (15.3).

The Heat have suspended Rafer Alston for the season after he left the team for "personal reasons," communicating only via text messages. The team has moved on and is using the tandem of Carlos Arroyo and Mario Chalmers to run the point.

Orlando lost the first two meetings between the Florida teams, but won the most recent game, despite Dwight Howard getting into foul trouble. Howard will look to stay in this one as the Magic will look to even the series.