The schedule-makers have not been kind to the Magic this month. The Magic play in Atlanta against the Hawks Thursday, the second time this season they have finished a back-to-back set of games against a good team that has had at least three days off since its last game. And that doesn't bode well for the Magic. Earlier this season, the Magic returned home for the second half of a back-to-back set and got hammered on national television by the well-rested Cleveland Cavaliers. This time the Magic were home Wednesday night against Miami before flying out to meet the Hawks in Atlanta. The Hawks haven't played since Sunday.
"The scheduling does seem a little odd, but it all evens out by the end," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said.
The Hawks (11-3) have been one of the league's biggest surprises this season, taking the early lead in the Southeast Division, which was won by the Magic the last two years. The Magic won three of four games against the Hawks last season.
Playing the Hawks is always interesting for the Magic because it's the hometown of Dwight Howard. He always gets a warm reception there, and he is close friends with Hawks power forward Josh Smith.
The Hawks are coming off a loss to New Orleans on Sunday, while the Magic lost Wednesday night at home to Miami.
HEAT 99, MAGIC 98: Jason Williams scored a game-high 25 points, but he missed two free throws with :09 remaining to open the door for the Heat to win with a tip-in by Michael Beasley. Dwyane Wade had 24 points despite making just 6 of 22 shots. The Heat outrebounded the Magic, 50-42, and had only eight turnovers compared to 14 for the Magic. Dwight Howard had 16 rebounds but only 12 points.
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