By Josh CohenJan. 8, 2016
Injury Report
Elfrid Payton (ankle) is likely out. Evan Fournier is questionable with an ingrown toenail (played through it last game). Jason Smith (ankle) says he is feeling fine and will play. C.J. Watson (calf) is still out.
Key Notes
Scott Skiles wants to see Nikola Vucevic do a better job on the glass. Vucevic has not racked up double digit rebounds since Dec. 26 against the Heat. He’s grabbed four or fewer boards in each of the last three games and is averaging nearly three rebounds less than last season.
Victor Oladipo has done a solid job starting in place of Payton at point guard and Skiles likes the energy and effort he gives on a nightly basis. Oladipo posted 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists against the Pistons and 20 points, five rebounds and three assists vs. the Pacers.
Skiles wants his team to place at their pace, not the Nets’ pace (more deliberate, unrushed, slow). And Tobias Harris agrees. Harris has been one of the best in the league this season scoring on fast break opportunities. He has scored 119 of his points this season in transition (ranks in top 20) and he has one of the best AND-1 percentage rates (7.4 percent).
Quick Game Analysis
The Nets are floundering and they lost their starting point guard, Jarrett Jack, recently with an ACL injury. Like it was the last time the Magic were in Brooklyn (Dec. 14), this could be the right opponent for Orlando to regain its confidence and play with more precision. The Nets are the worst 3-point shooting team in the league (31 percent) and they infrequently get to the free throw line (19.6 per game). The Magic must protect the paint and deny Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young from having monster nights.
Projected Star of the Night
Vucevic has had two outstanding games against the Nets this season (18 points, six rebounds and four assists on Dec. 14 and 20 points and nine rebounds on Dec. 30) and he always likes his matchup with Lopez. Also, with the Nets shorthanded in the backcourt, expect Oladipo to utilize his speed and energy and exhaust Shane Larkin throughout the game.
Quote of the Shootaround
“They have a lot of weapons. It was a struggle last time. It’s going to be a battle tonight.” – Jason Smith
