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

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."