Monday, April 11, 2011
Posted: 10 a.m.
CSNPhilly.com
Records
Sixers: 41-39 (Third in Atlantic Division, Seventh in Eastern Conference)Magic: 50-30 (Second in Southeast Division, Fourth in Eastern Conference)
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Previous games
On Friday, the Sixers pulled off a 98-93 win over the Toronto Raptors to snap a three-game losing streak. Elton Brand led the Sixers with 22 points. Thaddeus Young chipped in 20 off the bench.
On Sunday, Orlando fell to the Chicago Bulls 102-99. Chesters Jameer Nelson made a three-pointer just after the buzzer expired, a shot that would have tied the game. Ryan Anderson led Orlando with 28 points in a game that All-Star center Dwight Howard missed due to suspension.
Recent encounters
The last time these two teams met on Feb. 9, the Magic squeaked by the Sixers with a 99-95 victory. Lou Williams scored 18 of his team-high 23 points in the fourth quarter. Howard had game highs of 30 points and 17 rebounds. The last two Orlando wins in the series have been by a margin of four points of less. The Magic have a 2-1 edge in the season series.
Storylines
The Sixers are looking to move up in the Eastern Conference standings.The team is still seeking a consistent option out of the backcourt with Williams (hamstring) out. Evan Turner has shown flashes the last week or so, while newly signed veteran Antonio Daniels has looked OK in spots.The Sixers are one victory from securing a winning record for the first time since 2004-05. They were 43-39 that season.
News
Whos hot?
The Sixers defense has been superb as of late. They have held opponents below 100 points in each of the past seven games.Brand has scored 20 or more points in four of the past five games.Young is averaging 22.5 points on 19-of-29 (66 percent) shooting the last two contests.
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