Orlando Magic Team Report - February 28

(Basketball News) - Two teams destined for the lottery square off this evening in Atlanta, as the Hawks begin a brief two-game homestand against the Orlando Magic at Philips Arena.

Orlando’s misery continued on Friday, as it was upended in overtime, 112-107, by rookie phenom LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at the TD Waterhouse Centre.

Tracy McGrady led all players with 35 points for the Magic, who trailed 90-72 with less than nine minutes to play in this one. They have dropped two straight on the heels of a three-game winning streak.

McGrady was fouled by Carlos Boozer behind the three-point line with just 9.3 seconds remaining in regulation, and he made all three free throws to knot the game at 100-100 and complete the comeback.

James was called for an offensive foul at the other end, but McGrady’s desperation half-court heave at the buzzer failed, sending the game into overtime.

McGrady gave the Magic a brief 105-103 lead in the extra session with a three- pointer at the 2:22 mark. But James followed with a bucket at the other end to spark a game-clinching 8-0 run by the Cavs.

Orlando, which slipped to an NBA-worst 16-44 on the year, has dropped four of its last five on the road and is 8-23 away from home this season.

The Magic have just one win in eight games played on Saturday this season.

Orlando defeated Atlanta earlier in the season, but could be at a disadvantage tonight, as the home team has won nine of the last 11 meetings. However, the Magic’s win over the Hawks back on December 13 came in Dixie.

The Magic have won four of their last six against the Hawks, but have dropped four of six in Atlanta.