Orlando Magic vs. Golden State Warriors: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info
The Golden State Warriors upset the Miami Heat on Tuesday, and on Thursday night they will look to upset another talented team from Florida.
The Orlando Magic come into Oakland after a very good road win 107-104 over the Portland Trail Blazers and are just a half-game behind the Miami Heat in the Southeast division.
The reasons for their success this season have been because of strong defense and the play of superstar center Dwight Howard.
Howard is averaging 18 points and 14.4 rebounds per game this season and is leading a Magic defense that allows the sixth fewest points per game.
The Warriors need to start winning if they are to climb out of last place in the Pacific division, but will they beat the Magic on Thursday?
Let's look at a complete preview.
Where: ORACLE Arena, Oakland, California
Watch: TNT
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
When: Thursday, Jan. 12 at 10:30 p.m. EST
Listen: AM 580 WDBO for Magic, AM 680 KNBR
Betting Line: Magic -3 (according to Sportsbook.com)
Key Injuries
Guard Stephen Curry and center Kwame Brown are out of Thursday's game with an ankle and chest injury, respectively.
Magic forward DeAndre Liggins and guard Quentin Richardson are questionable for Thursday's game with an illness and heel injury, respectively.
What's at stake?
For the Magic, they need all the wins they can get against inferior teams because they have to continue to chase the Miami Heat in the Southeast division.
Orlando would be greatly helped in the NBA playoffs if they have home court advantage in the first round, and winning the division is the best way to make that happen.
The Warriors have to start winning because at 3-6 they sit in the cellar of the Pacific division. With Stephen Curry missing this game with an ankle injury, backup guards such as Nate Robinson have to play well for the Warriors.
What They're Saying
Dwight Howard recently spoke about the trade talk surrounding him this season, via Pro Basketball Talk:
"“I don’t think they are going to do anything right now because we’re winning,” Howard said after a 104-97 victory over the Sacramento Kings improved the Magic’s record to 6-3. “Even if this is the last season, let’s go out hard, regardless.”
When asked if he expects Orlando to trade him by the NBA’s March 15 deadline, Howard said: “I don’t think so.”
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Warriors head coach Mark Jackson talked about Nate Robinson's stellar performance on Tuesday against the Miami Heat:
"“Well, he’s a high-energy, special talent. He’s a guy that can score and score in bunches. The thing I love about him, he plays with an edge. A lot of times, even watching him in the past...he’s a guy whose energy and effort becomes contagious and really makes a difference. He gave us a great boost off the bench and he plays with a chip on his shoulder, too.”
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Player to watch on the Warriors: Nate Robinson
With Stephen Curry battling an ankle injury and sitting out Thursday's game against the Orlando Magic, backup point guard Nate Robinson needs to score and be a playmaker for the Warriors.
Robinson scored 24 points against the Miami Heat on Tuesday and brings tremendous energy to his Warriors teammates and the crowd.
His outside shooting will really help the Warriors in this game.
Player to watch on the Magic: Dwight Howard
The Magic's superstar center has dominated this season and leads the team in scoring and rebounding.
The Warriors have no one who can defend Howard in the paint effectively at all and he should be able to get whatever he wants on Thursday night.
Orlando needs to get Howard going early and often in this game, and if they do, the Magic will win this game easily.
Key Matchup: Battle at center
The Warriors have to find a way to defend Dwight Howard well or they will have no chance of upsetting the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.
One way they can do this is by getting Howard in early foul trouble. To get some early fouls on him, the Warriors need to drive to the basket and create contact in the paint.
Prediction: Magic win 105-95
The Magic's advantage in the paint will really help them in this matchup and Dwight Howard will dominate at both ends of the floor to help Orlando earn a win Thursday night.
The Warriors are having trouble scoring this season, and against the sixth best scoring defense in the Magic, Golden State will struggle to score enough for a victory.
Without Curry, the Warriors will suffer offensively and lose to an elite team from the Eastern Conference and remain at the bottom of the Pacific division.
