Posts tagged KeithBogans at FanHouse

In another of our continuing series, five things to keep an eye out for tonight in the Magic-Pistons game tonight.

1. Superman Vs. The Automatons: Chris Webber said on Inside the NBA after the Magic eliminated the Raptors that the Pistons would not choose to double Dwight Howard. That's a matter of some debate in the Pistons camp, and it looks like they have decided to bring the double. The thinking here is pretty clear. We shut down Dwight Howard, and this team is without competent weaponry. Howard has to be on his game for every single game in this series. He needs to take advantage when he gets a step, an opening, or a mismatch. He needs to control the boards at both ends of the floor. But most importantly, he needs to make the pass to the open shooter on the perimeter. From there the question gets a little more dicey for the Magic ...

2. .Better Be Good: If the Magic perimeter shooters aren't on target in this series, it could get out of hand very fast. They are going to get open shots. The Pistons are willing to accept shots from Jameer Nelson, from Maurice Evans, from Keith Bogans. As long as it's not Howard dunking on them or Turkoglu slicing to the basket, they'll take their chances with their ability to closeout and put pressure on shooters. Keith Bogans was 12 of 14 against the Pistons this season, and he has to keep up that kind of accuracy to force the Pistons out of the double-team.

In another of our continuing series, five things to keep an eye out for tonight in the Magic-Raptors Game 4 tonight.

1. As Go The Backcourts: So goes this series. In Games 1 and 2, Jameer Nelson, Keyon Dooling, and Maurice Evans were lights out, leading a three point barrage on the Raptors. In Game 3, the Raptors responded to the home cooking, and T.J. Ford scored 21, while Jose Calderon had 18 points. Calderon is also averaging 8.3 assists per game. Coach Stan Van Gundy is particularly worried about Calderon, stating after Game 3 that Calderon was playing the pick and roll as anyone in the league "this side of Steve Nash." If the Magic are going to retake momentum and deliver a deathblow to the Raps, Keyon Dooling is going to need to knock down three pointers and Jameer Nelson needs to have his back spasms better stay away. Or it could be another long day for the Magic in Toronto.

2. Howard Gets His: The tactics by Sam Mitchell suggest that the Raptors plan is to let Dwight Howard get his, and try and contain his teammates' ability to get Howard involved. Howard had a down night in Game 3, scoring "only" 19 points with 12 rebounds while picking up 5 fouls. The odds are not likely that they'll be able to keep Howard down again, but if they can keep Hedo Tukoglu and Rashard Lewis under 20 points and 5 assists each, it will allow them to more effectively bring the double team.

It turns out the desire to win a championship wasn't the only reason Grant Hill wanted to leave Orlando. Hill, a natural small forward, started at shooting guard out of necessity for the Magic last year. After the team committed big bucks to acquire stud small forward Rashard Lewis this summer, it was clear that Hill would again be asked to play out of position.

"They got a good, young stud in Rashard and he's exactly what that team needs," said Hill ... "I told them, I'm not a (shooting guard). I did it last year, but that's just not who I am. But there's no bitterness whatsoever."

Unfortunately, an out-of-position Hill was still better than any of the in-position options currently on Orlando's roster. So who's left? Re-tread journeymen Keyon Dooling and Keith Bogans are options, as is J.J. Redick, last year's first-round draft pick who played in just 42 games. Signing another free agent is technically still an option, but after Lewis' contract hits the books, the best the Magic can offer anyone is the veteran's minimum of about $1.2 million -- and you'd be lucky to find rotation filler for that amount, let alone a legitimate starter.