@ Day/Date: Sunday, 2/8/04 At: TD Waterhouse Time: 9:30 am(PT) TV: ABC Los Angeles Lakers: 29-18 Quick fact: Lakers have struggled lately, only winning 4 out of their last 10. However, they have played much better as a team since the return of Shaq. Orlando Magic: 13-39 Quick fact: It has not got much better for the Magic since the start of the season, they are 2-8 in their last 10 and are only 6-16 while playing at home. Probable Starters Frontcourt Shaquille O'Neal/Andrew Declercq Slava Medvedenko/Juwan Howard Devean George/Keith Bogans Backcourt Kareem Rush/Gordan Giricek Gary Payton/Jeff Mcinnis Keys to the game <u>Lakers</u> <ul>[*] Grabbing rebounds will be a key for the Lakers this game, since Magic are weak inside, they need to take advantage.[/list] <ul>[*]Throw the ball in to Shaq, and let the offense flow around him. LA also needs scoring production out of the backcourt from Payton and Rush.[/list] <ul>[*]Play good on-ball defense around the perimeter, and defend the paint as well.[/list] <u>Magic</u> <ul>[*]Cavs will have to play solid defense, as well as scoring key baskets down the stretch.[/list] <ul>[*]Make some kind of a battle occur on the inside vs Shaq, don't let him score easy points, double him.[/list] <ul>[*]Let the offense flow, play good team ball since Mcgrady will be out in this one.[/list] Key Players Shaquille O'Neal/Gary Payton --- Juwan Howard/Keith Bogans The 'X' factor Are the Magic capable of hitting down the stretch shots, grab key rebounds, and contain Shaq under the basket? My predictions Lakers will take this one easily. Not sure if T-Mac will play, but either way the Lakers will take this one. Magic don't have the inside toughness to take on the most dominant player in the NBA. Payton/Rush will give LA nice offensive production while the Big Fella dominates in the inside, Lakers by 15.
