Dwight Howard is a lock to win a second consecutive defensive player of the year award.
(2) Orlando Magic (59-23) vs. (7) Charlotte Bobcats (44-38)
Series schedule: Game 1 – Today at Orlando 5:30 p.m. ET (TNT); Game 2 – Wednesday at Orlando 7 p.m. ET (TNT); Game 3 – Saturday at Charlotte 2 p.m. ET (TNT); Game 4 –Monday 4/26 at Charlotte TBD; Game 5 – Wednesday 4/28 *at Orlando TBD; Game 6 – Friday 4/30 *at Charlotte TBD; Game 7 – Sunday 5/2 TBD. *If necessary.
Series keys: For Orlando: Use bench (Orlando will need reserves later in the postseason). 2. Establish defensive energy (Howard sets tone with shot blocks and rebounding). 3. Handle Action Jackson (Stephen Jackson had 28 points in Charlotte’s lone win against Orlando. For Charlotte: 1. Guard the 3-pointer (Orlando lead the NBA in 3-pointers made with 841 in the regular season). 2. Foul Superman (Dwight Howard shoots a higher percentage from the field – 61.2 percent – than the line – 59.2 percent. 3. Follow the leader (Veteran coach Larry Brown has the knowledge to make this series interesting).
Series outcome: Magic will win the series in six games, but Charlotte won’t go down easily.
Series stories:
1. Dwight Howard on Hack-a-Dwight: “It’s not a bad strategy” – Orlando Sentinel
2. Magic-Bobcats offer friendly, fiery playoff twist – USA Today
3. Can Michael really let Larry leave Charlotte? – ESPN
