LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers will face the team that ended their aspirations of making it to the NBA Finals last season, as they pay a visit to the Orlando Magic tonight at Amway Arena in a rematch of the 2008-09 Eastern Conference Finals.
Orlando spoiled any chances of a LeBron vs. Kobe NBA Finals by taking out the top-seeded Cavaliers in six games to face the Los Angeles Lakers for the ultimate prize. The Lakers eventually disposed of the Magic in five games for their 15th title.
The Cavs added future Hall of Fame center and former Magic star Shaquille O'Neal to the roster over the summer to try and help James get over the hump. So far the experiment has produced a 4-3 record, but the team has bounced back considerably after a season-opening two-game slide to win four of five games. In Friday's 100-91 triumph at New York to kick off a three-game road trip, James had 33 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while Mo Williams added 12 points and Daniel Gibson 11 in the win at Madison Square Garden.
"This building is very special," James said of MSG. "We had to come in here and do the things we had to do to get the win."
O'Neal had seven points and four rebounds, and is averaging 11.1 points, 7.4 boards and 25:23 minutes this season. Shaq is also dealing with a serious personal issue. His wife of nearly seven years is splitting up with the Cavs big man.
Va'Shaundya O'Neal filed for legal separation with intent to divorce Monday in Los Angeles, citing irreconcilable differences.
"Obviously, this is a difficult time for our family, and we request that the media respect our privacy," O'Neal said in a statement released by the team Tuesday night. "I will continue to focus on being there for our children and I am confident that Shaunie will do the same."
O'Neal and the Cavs will close out their road trip on Thursday at Miami, another former employer of the 15-time All-Star. In injury news for Cleveland, James is probable for tonight with a sore right hand.
Orlando is 6-2 on the young campaign and handed the Charlotte Bobcats a 93-81 setback on Tuesday at Time Warner Cable Arena. Dwight Howard led the attack with 15 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Magic, who will open a four-game homestand Wednesday versus the Cavs, Nets, Bobcats and Thunder. Brandon Bass scored 14 points, including 12 in the first quarter, and Vince Carter chipped in 15 points off the bench. Carter had missed the last three games with a sprained ankle.
"First half, especially that first quarter we got out there and really defended and the fourth quarter," Carter said. "We've been allowing a lot of points at halftime and letting teams shoot a high percentage, so I'm glad to see us dig down and take care of business."
Orlando won two of three games against Cleveland in the regular season a year ago and has won six of eight and eight of the past 11 matchups between the teams. The Cavs, though, have won seven of the last 10 as the host.
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