Nothing has been a sure thing this season for the Orlando Magic. However, after Sunday night’s 100-84 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Magic have punched their post-season ticket.
“It’s nice to have clinched this with six games left,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said.
Jameer Nelson lead the Magic with 21 points and 9 assists.
Orlando is planning to play the rest of the regular season without their All-Star center Dwight Howard who missed his fourth straight game Sunday with a herniated disk in his lower back.
In addition to the list of injuries the Magic have faced this year, Glen Davis starting in place of Howard, went down with a sprained knee Sunday.
“He hyperextended his knee, so my guess would be that he’d not play,” Van Gundy said regarding Davis playing Monday night.
Jason Richardson finished with 16 points followed by JJ Redick’s 13 for Orlando who are now (3-7) in their last 10.
Cleveland finished up their back to back to back (1-2) and coach Byron Scott admitted that fatigue played a factor in the loss.
“I thought so, which is understandable,” he said. “Our guys tried to fight through it and keep playing hard. You, all of a sudden, have a little bit of a lack of focus when you’re tired. We don’t use that as an excuse.”
The Cavs are facing injuries themselves. Rookie sensation Kyrie Irving missed his 10th straight game with a sprained right shoulder.
The Magic will look to stay healthy as it host the Philadelphia 76ers tonight, tip off set for 7pm.
