Wizards Vs. Magic Preview: Meet Dwight Howard And His Reeling Mates

by Mike Prada on Feb 1, 2012 4:44 PM EST in Game previews

All hell will break loose in Orlando if the Washington Wizards beat the Magic. God, I hope all hell breaks loose.

Are they good in general?: They were for about 15 games. In the last six games, though, they have five losses. Three of those losses were in games where they didn't score 70 points. One of those losses was when they blew a 27-point lead. Three came by double digits.

Are they good against the Wizards? Sadly, yes. The Magic topped the Wizards, 105-83, in one of the most lopsided games of the NBA season on January 4. The Wizards didn't ever come close to competing in the game.

Are they fast or slow? The Magic are very slow and methodical, at 28th in pace coming into this game. Considering their offensive issues, they might want to think about running more, but they don't.

Are they especially good at anything? This is still a very good defensive team.

Are they especially bad at anything? This stat from Evan Dunlap at SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post says it all.

Magic now 19th in offense at 101.7 points per 100 possessions. Prior to Knicks game on MLK Jr. Day, they were 1st at 109.5.
— Evan Dunlap (@BQRMagic) February 1, 2012

MLK Jr. Day was two and a half weeks ago.

Are there any people involved with the organization that Mike really likes? Ryan Anderson is really streaky, but is really good when he gets going.

Are there any people involved with the organization that Mike really doesn't like? Can't stand Hedo Turkoglu.

Are there any players poised for a breakout? No.

Are there any players the Wizards especially need to worry about? It's all about Howard. Orlando doesn't do anything complex, which is one reason why they can't score. When you combine a lack of talent with a stagnant gameplan (and I don't blame Stan Van Gundy for this, for the record, because there's only so much a coach can do), you become easy to stop. Thing is, the Wizards need to actually go out and do it. The scouting report should be pretty simple, but if the players don't pay attention, even simple plays will beat them.

Is their mascot cool? Stuff!

Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images

Any other random quirks: Larry Hughes actually sometimes plays for them!

Game thread at 6:30, recap right after.

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I'd be disappointed if they lose this one cause of how horrible the magic have been lately

STRAIGHT CASH HOMIE

by everybodylookin on Feb 1, 2012 5:08 PM EST reply actions

i will be at verizon tonight to see georgetown and uconn.

want to see some guys who may be in our unis next yr. That said, I want the wizards to win. Magic is an abstract term.. a wizard is concrete. And we use magic!

by thewiz06 on Feb 1, 2012 5:20 PM EST via mobile reply actions

We are the Wizard's

When asked the question, “Are there any players poised for a breakout?” The answer can never just be “no.” We are career best, breakout games just waiting to happen.

I'm a Wizards fan. We've been trying to tell you about Lebron for years. Hated the man before it was cool.
Follow @Dylan___V

by returnofswagger on Feb 1, 2012 5:25 PM EST via Android app reply actions

hah, that category may need to get changed

initial idea was players poised to have a breakout season or in the middle of a breakout season. i guess ryan anderson would qualify.

SB Nation DC | Bullets Forever | SBNation.com | Twitter.

by Mike Prada on Feb 1, 2012 5:28 PM EST up reply actions

by believe_the_curse on Feb 1, 2012 5:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions

The Magic's last six games

Offensively, in those six games, they have averaged 77 points a game on 38.4% FG shooting and 34.4% three point shooting for an eFG% of 43.6%, while shooting 57.2% from the free throw line. Those numbers confirm what we already know… the Magic have stunk offensively.