Orlando @ Detroit GameThread, Nov 3, 2009 6:30 PM CST

Game 4: Orlando Magic @ Detroit Pistons [Game Thread]

by Packey on Nov 3, 2009 4:15 PM CST in Previews Comment 59 comments

Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons, Nov 3, 2009 6:30 PM CST

NBA Regular Season Game 4
	@
3-0 (2-0 away)		1-2 (0-1 home)
Palace of Auburn Hills Magic Blog Blog: Third Quarter Collapse
November 3, 2009 7:30 PM ET
TV: Fox Sports Detroit Radio: 97.1 The Fan
Probable starters:
Jameer Nelson	PG	Rodney Stuckey
Vince Carter	SG	Ben Gordon
Matt Barnes	SF	Tayshaun Prince Jonas Jerebko
Ryan Anderson	PF	Charlie Villanueva
Dwight Howard	C	Ben Wallace

This very well could have been a match up between two 3-0 teams, but the Pistons had problems with the "third quarter collapse" this past weekend. Coincidentally, that's the name of the Orlando Magic blog here on SB Nation.

Detroit was outscored by a combined 30 points in the third quarter of their two losses. Coming out strong after halftime should be a focus every game, but will definitely be key tonight against a very good Orlando Magic team.

This game has the opportunity to be an ol' fashioned shootout as the Magic are averaging 113 points per game and giving up 102. Detroit is only averaging 88 points per game and is allowing 87 per game, but there's no question they are capable of putting up 100+ and their defense can be suspect, especially when matching up against Dwight Howard (sans Rasheed).

There's a good chance Orlando is somehow dome jobbed by Detroit, though. Detroit was the only Eastern Conference team that swept the season series with the Eastern Conference Finals representative last year and Detroit holds a .600 winning percentage all-time vs. Orlando.

As I mentioned yesterday, Richard Hamilton will miss his third straight game. Ben Gordon will most likely start again in his place. Gordon is averaging 24 ppg and shooting 49%.

There's some talk that Vince Carter's own ankle injury could prevent him from playing for the Magic. A decision will be made after he partakes in the shootaround. Rashard Lewis is still out due to the suspension he received for violating the NBA's steroid policy.

Game tip is at 7:30 PM EST and will air on Fox Sports Detroit. Remember, tonight is the last night you can watch on NBA.com's League Pass for free should you be outside the Detroit area. While you watch, share all your thoughts and feelings in the comments. Consider it your Pistons "gournal."

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No Lewis and Pietrius For Oralndo......

…….With no rip for us….Should be a good game……Im calling a pistons win!!!

by BennieBladesFan on Nov 3, 2009 4:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I like the positivity

I hope you’re right, obviously.

Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog

by Packey on Nov 3, 2009 4:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tayshaun is out tonight. And out until the weekend, at least.

Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog

by Packey on Nov 3, 2009 5:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

WOO BASKETBALL!

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 6:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Spongebob!

Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog

by Packey on Nov 3, 2009 6:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Have I proven that I love cartoons yet?

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 6:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you have

Futurama and Spongebob at least haha

Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog

by Packey on Nov 3, 2009 6:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I like Jonas starting tonight...

should bring some good energy. I am worried about energy levels coming off the bench though. Max had better bring it tonight.

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 6:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Jonas' energy already paying off I think.

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 6:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ben Gordon

can’t really handle the rock.

Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog

by Packey on Nov 3, 2009 6:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I've noticed.

but he sure can shoot the rock though.

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 6:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sure can

He makes sweet sweet string music every time

Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog

by Packey on Nov 3, 2009 6:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wow he REALLY can't...

off his toe??? C’mon BG, you know better than that.

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 7:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

s'what he does

his feet are ginormous or something.

I support the Tornado Release [See: Joakim Noah]

by Prevenge on Nov 3, 2009 7:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know I can't really pull anything from a few minutes of play...

But I’m REALLY liking the decision to start Jonas.

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 7:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This lineup won't get it done

Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog

by Packey on Nov 3, 2009 7:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is this game being dictated by good defense or bad offense?

I’m thinking bad offense.

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 7:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I'm thinking that too

Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog

by Packey on Nov 3, 2009 7:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wow...

only 2 assists so far.

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 7:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Free throws difference is mind boggling

Pistons 12-17
Magic 0-2

Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog

by Packey on Nov 3, 2009 7:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So I'm thinking 50 3-point attempts by the end of the game for Orlando?

They haven’t made one in a LONG time, yet they still keep firing away.

by ZWC11 on Nov 3, 2009 8:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why can't we hit a 3-pointer?

I’m pretty sure all of our attempts have been WIDE open.

At least we’re not forcing it like Orlando though.

by ZWC11 on Nov 3, 2009 8:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So I traded Vince Carter for random crap and the ninth pick in fantasy

and then I picked Brandon Jennings
Seems like a good move amirite?

I support the Tornado Release [See: Joakim Noah]

by Prevenge on Nov 3, 2009 8:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oh, sorry, wrong blog ...

I was going to rub it in with the bulls sucking.
Go Pistons though. It’s the game I’m watching! [The thunder/Lakers game is blacked out, thanks NBA League Pass]

I support the Tornado Release [See: Joakim Noah]

by Prevenge on Nov 3, 2009 8:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

by Packey on Nov 3, 2009 8:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Give it to 'em...

I’d rather have them run ’n gun than give it to Howard.

by ZWC11 on Nov 3, 2009 8:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not really...

it’s what they do. Usually they don’t miss this much though.

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 8:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ugh...

Pistons blowing it in the 4th…

by ZWC11 on Nov 3, 2009 8:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

They're doing alright

playing now without Rip, Tay, and Bynum. Gutsy performance tonight so far.

Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog

by Packey on Nov 3, 2009 8:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree.

I’m loving the effort I’m seeing. I’m even seeing a bit of passion out of CV.

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 8:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 8:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

and now Will is defining "tough"

and gutsy.

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 8:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

by ZWC11 on Nov 3, 2009 8:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

HA!

Another one bites the dust.

by ZWC11 on Nov 3, 2009 8:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Detroit definitely has the most dynamic guard rotation right now...

They are getting it done.

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Nov 3, 2009 8:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

by Prevenge on Nov 3, 2009 9:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

by mrsunshine on Nov 3, 2009 9:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I called it in the opening post on this thread!!!!

3 guards looked pretty good tonight…..Only 8 assists though……To much one on one but it worked tonight!!!!…..Lets get those raptors tomorrow!!!…..GO PISTONS!!!

by BennieBladesFan on Nov 3, 2009 9:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs