PROTECT THE PAINT

The Orlando Magic (17-5) experienced a blowout loss in Salt Lake City last night. After scoring 60 first half points, Utah closed the gap, and with their confidence thriving, held off the Magic 120-111. They are in Phoenix tonight to face of against the Suns (15-7), who have recently not faired well out on the road, dropping 4 out of the last 5. The game airs live at 10:30 PM EST on ESPN.

For Phoenix, heading back home is a blessing. The Suns have already played a league high 15 road games this season, and the wear and tear has been showing lately. Even though Nash and company will not admit it, their exhaustion has led to losses by large margins to New York (126-99), Cleveland (107-90) and the Lakers (108-88).

Phoenix is coming into this game on two days rest and those 2 days are huge for veterans Nash, Grant Hill, and Amare Stoudemire.

Orlando has showed it has been tough to beat on the road going 2 of 3 on their recent road trip. Those 2 victories were against the Clippers and Warriors. Dwight Howard played his usual game and Vince Carter dropped in 34 last night. However, it could not offset a combined 2 points from Jason Williams and Michael Pietrus. Orlando must get more output from all of their starters to win tonight.

Ryan Anderson had 20 points and 10 rebounds the last time these teams matched up in Orlando on November 4^th.

Will Orlando have the energy on back to backs? (Credit: Picapp.com)

The question will is: Can the Magic perform at a high enough level on back-to-back road games against two tough Western Conference teams? Utah methodically used their disciplined offensive system leading to Deron Williams exploding with 32 points and 15 assists.

Steve Nash had mediocre numbers the last time they played Orlando. Jason Richardson and Grant Hill were both held scoreless during the game. Phoenix lost 122-100.To make matters worse for the Suns, the Magic beat them without Rashard Lewis while he was serving his 10-game suspension to start the season.

With Jameer Nelson on the shelf due to his knee injury, Nash will duel it out with Jason Williams. It will be interesting to see how Nash and his Suns fair tonight against the Magic.

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