You can bet the Orlando Magic will be better prepared Friday for the Detroit Pistons than they were Tuesday. The Magic (4-1) are itching for some revenge after being embarrassed in Detroit Tuesday night by the Pistons, who were playing without two starters and still managed to manhandle the Magic. "It was one of our worst games since I've been in Orlando," said coach Stan Van Gundy, now in his third season. The Magic lost, 85-80. The Pistons have been the Magic's nemesis for the past several years, winning 20 of the 25 regular season games against them. They also knocked the Magic out of the playoffs three times in franchise history.
"We'll play better next time," said center Dwight Howard.
The Pistons still are likely to be without Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, and the Magic will be without Rashard Lewis (suspension) and possibly Vince Carter (sprained ankle).
The Magic have played well in four of their five games this season, looking every bit the championship contender. It was only against the Pistons Tuesday when they looked awful. And that's not likely to happen again Friday.
MAGIC 122, SUNS 100: The Magic shot 52.3 percent from the field and had six players score in double-figures, winning easily against the previously unbeaten Suns. Dwight Howard, despite early foul trouble, led the Magic with 25 points and six rebounds. Ryan Anderson had 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Suns got 25 points from Amar'e Stoudemire, but they never were close in the second half.
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