Magic Vs. Wizards: Orlando Cruises Without Two Starters, 109-103

The Washington Wizards hung with the Orland Magic for much of the game and held a small lead heading into the fourth quarter, hoping to pick up a win over the struggling Magic but they couldn't hold on in the fourth quarter. The Magic scored 40 points in the final quarter to take and hold the lead for the victory. Wizards point guard John Wall struggled scoring points, hitting on just one field goal but ended the night with 10 assists and 7 rebounds. Former Magic forward Rashard Lewis picked up 20 points while Nick Young added another 24 points.

The Magic had three players score over 20 points on Wednesday night, including J.J. Redick picking up 21 points including hitting on 3 of his 4 three point shots. Star center Dwight Howard also scored 21 points and picked up 18 rebounds while Ryan Anderson led the Magic in scoring with 23 points. With the victory, the Magic snapped their four-game losing streak.

For all news and information regarding the Orlando Magic, please visit Orlando Pinstriped Post. For updates and perspective on the Washington Wizards, head on over to Bullets Forever.

Three Things To Watch In The Magic vs. Wizards Game Tonight:

Will either team be able to score efficiently?

This game is probably gonna be ugly. Over at the Point Forward Zach Lowe explains that in seven of the Magic’s games in January they had less points per possession than the Wizards, who are currently the worst scoring team in the NBA. In fact Lowe points out that in four of their recent games the Magic scored only 87.5 points per 100 possessions, significantly worse than even the dismals Wizards league-last 93 points per 100 possessions rate.

With Jameer Nelson and Jason Richardson out, will the Magic’s backup guards be able to slow Nick Young and John Wall?

Jameer Nelson and Jason Richardson’s absences will certainly hurt the Magic offensively, but the game might be decided by how Nick Young, Jordan Crawford, and John Wall play against the Magic’s backup guards. Chris Duhon and JJ Redick are reliable fill-ins as starters, but afterwards the Magic’s lack of depth really becomes apparent. When the Magic have Larry Hughes and Quentin Richardson in they’re likely to struggle against Washington’s speedy guards. John Wall in particular has been playing well recently and is a likely candidate to have a big game against the Magic.

Who Will Win The Battle of The Blocks?

With Dwight Howard averaging less blocks per game than he has in four years, Javale McGee, the Wizards young center, has taken over the top spot and raced out to a league-leading 3.1 blocks a game. While he’s averaging one more block a game than Dwight Howard, his lack of polish offensively should give Dwight plenty of opportunities for blocks himself. Watching their block contest might be fun distraction for what otherwise could be a tough game to watch.