Preseason Game #2: Miami @ Magic 12/21 7 p.m. EST

[The Real Dalic]

[Nemesis21]

@ EasternMagic's avi

[ADRajX]

i respect you guys disagreeing... but pushing lebron and getting a technical for it doesn't equate to playing with heart and confidence... Q-Rich made some bone-headed turnovers on simple entry passes to Dwight... he also overplayed Lebron way over the top of the key several times and got burned... I did like that he checked Lebron a few times, but I can't help but think Lebron baited him into doing that... look who got the technical foul at the end of the day.

i think the problem with Q is that we know who he is and what we're getting with him... he's just not that good, he just sucks, I'm sorry... out of all the veteran players (aside from Orton obviously) he is probably the worst or second worst player on our team along with Chris Duhon. I think this team has a much better chance of winning with someone else backing up Hedo at SF who has size, athleticism, and length. I will admit Earl didn't look so great in last night's game... but he only played 3 minutes... he didn't make a turnover, and he only took one shot (and it was a good look)... from what I've seen from Earl in the short time he played last season, his output and potential is much higher than Q-Rich... and from what I've seen from Q-Rich, I see the same old song and dance... boneheaded plays and missing 3s... hitting a few shots while wearing a headband, and going toe to toe with Lebron isn't going to win me over (see: Matt Barnes).

Ya, I'm not talking about the pushing. He played good defense last night, and he didn't show Bron TOO much respect. You could tell Earl was a little timid guarding him, gave him WAY too much room And Q hit a HUGE three with bron in his face.. And as far as knowing who players are, right now we know what Earl can give us, it's not much, and when he doesn't play good defense, it's not really anything.

+1 ... right now you can say it's a wash between both imo... back-up SF is still up for grabs... Earl at least crashes the boards, which I like... we just have to wait and see who wins out and does the most at both ends ... as long as we win and they play hard, that's all that matters

[EasternMagic]

i respect you guys disagreeing... but pushing lebron and getting a technical for it doesn't equate to playing with heart and confidence... Q-Rich made some bone-headed turnovers on simple entry passes to Dwight... he also overplayed Lebron way over the top of the key several times and got burned... I did like that he checked Lebron a few times, but I can't help but think Lebron baited him into doing that... look who got the technical foul at the end of the day.

i think the problem with Q is that we know who he is and what we're getting with him... he's just not that good, he just sucks, I'm sorry... out of all the veteran players (aside from Orton obviously) he is probably the worst or second worst player on our team along with Chris Duhon. I think this team has a much better chance of winning with someone else backing up Hedo at SF who has size, athleticism, and length. I will admit Earl didn't look so great in last night's game... but he only played 3 minutes... he didn't make a turnover, and he only took one shot (and it was a good look)... from what I've seen from Earl in the short time he played last season, his output and potential is much higher than Q-Rich... and from what I've seen from Q-Rich, I see the same old song and dance... boneheaded plays and missing 3s... hitting a few shots while wearing a headband, and going toe to toe with Lebron isn't going to win me over (see: Matt Barnes).

Ya, I'm not talking about the pushing. He played good defense last night, and he didn't show Bron TOO much respect. You could tell Earl was a little timid guarding him, gave him WAY too much room And Q hit a HUGE three with bron in his face.. And as far as knowing who players are, right now we know what Earl can give us, it's not much, and when he doesn't play good defense, it's not really anything.

+1 ... right now you can say it's a wash between both imo... back-up SF is still up for grabs... Earl at least crashes the boards, which I like... we just have to wait and see who wins out and does the most at both ends ... as long as we win and they play hard, that's all that matters

Ya, and like I said, I'm on Earl's side here. I want him to develop into the player we all know he can be.

[ADRajX]

+1 ... right now you can say it's a wash between both imo... back-up SF is still up for grabs... Earl at least crashes the boards, which I like... we just have to wait and see who wins out and does the most at both ends ... as long as we win and they play hard, that's all that matters

Ya, and like I said, I'm on Earl's side here. I want him to develop into the player we all know he can be.

exactly... like the one game last season where Earl was blocking shots like crazy, running the fast break well, and attacking the basket with heart n hustle... he has it in him to be a good player, he just needs to be more confident

[Trillen]

I realize that Q was essential at SF for our victory. I wonder if it will affect anything when Turk comes back.

[SolidSnake008]

Any updates on Hedo?...will he be ready to go for OKC? say what you want about Hedo but he's a better player than Q...I like Q he played with heart and he played hard but we missed Hedo's playmaking

[AdamTheGreek]

Nothing like winning a game on pure pride.

[magic04life]

Wow, over a thousand posts in a pre-season GT?

That's playoff-esque haha

[Nyce_1]

Any updates on Hedo?...will he be ready to go for OKC? say what you want about Hedo but he's a better player than Q...I like Q he played with heart and he played hard but we missed Hedo's playmaking

Turk went full practice today and will start on Sunday.

[magic04life]

What does everyone think of the Orlando/OKC betting line on Sunday?

OKC is favored by 7.5 point. Should I take Orlando +7.5 or should I take OKC -7.5?

I want HONEST opinion, I know we are all Magic fans but I want some honesty on this one.

[iTs JusT zo]

What does everyone think of the Orlando/OKC betting line on Sunday?

OKC is favored by 7.5 point. Should I take Orlando +7.5 or should I take OKC -7.5?

I want HONEST opinion, I know we are all Magic fans but I want some honesty on this one.

lol u might wanna post this in the general board and not the magic board

[Mule Tears]

I would take OKC at -7.5. Just don't see us competing in that one.

[Orlando Prodigy]

I think Orlando has a shot to win. I'd bet on them honestly.

[EasternMagic]

What does everyone think of the Orlando/OKC betting line on Sunday?

OKC is favored by 7.5 point. Should I take Orlando +7.5 or should I take OKC -7.5?

I want HONEST opinion, I know we are all Magic fans but I want some honesty on this one.

The reason I don't bet is because I always go the risky route. I would go Magic. Make more money that way. But say we have a 45% chance of winning

[eyriq]

What does everyone think of the Orlando/OKC betting line on Sunday?

OKC is favored by 7.5 point. Should I take Orlando +7.5 or should I take OKC -7.5?

I want HONEST opinion, I know we are all Magic fans but I want some honesty on this one.

Magic over two games were +11 vs OKC.

Overall Magic MOV (margin of victory) 5.46
Overall Thunder MOV 3.79

Thunder MOV at home +7
Magic MOV on road +1.9

Thunder are a year older (great for their young core) and will have Perkins. Magic are a veteran team in turmoil, but on the flip side have the same core.

All that considered I'd say the safe bet is Magic +7.5