What They're Saying: Magic vs. Spurs 12/18

Orlando gets another crack at a national television game -- where the team is 3-0. This one will be a little tougher than Philadelphia or Washington.

The Spurs come calling playing some of their best play. Tony Parker is healthy and playing well. Tim Duncan is his usual consistent self. And Manu Ginboili is also playing at his best.

OK, maybe best is not the right adjective. It is still early in the season and no teams knows how to pace itself like San Antonio.

Orlando, on the other hand, is playing pretty good basketball too. This should be a good matchup between two of the top teams in the NBA.

-This matchup is billed as the battle between two fo the top centers in the NBA -- Tim Duncan and Dwight Howard. But Howard missed the last two games with a sore knee (his first two of his career). Brian Schmitz of The Orlando Sentinel says Howard may not go tonight.

-Shannon J. Owens of The Orlando Sentinel examines how the fan might be feeling when they hear their superstar might be hurt. Visions of Grant Hill should not be dancing in your head.

-According to Greg Poppovich, the Spurs were outtoughed last night in a loss to New Orleans. They were doing better for three quarters writes the San Antonio Express-News' Jeff McDonald. But they could not finish it. Might be hungry for a road win tonight.

-Injuries have been the theme early this season. Somehow Orlando has held it all together. The Associated Press has a nice write-up on how they did it in the New York Times.

Orlando is going to struggle in this one if Howard cannot go. It is going to be a tough game even with Howard on the court. The Magic should try to attack this game the same way they would if Howard were not playing. They will need a healthy diet of Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu and contributions from the bench.

You can get away with it against Golden State and an injury-depleted Utah. But not against a good San Antonio team. I am not seeing blowout, but don't be surprised if it is. Bad timing with TNT in town.