Live Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Orlando Magic, 6:00 PM EST

It’s really happening.

Tonight - Saturday night, in Brooklyn, James Harden will suit up for the Nets.

It’s really, really happening.

That’s all I got to say.

WHO: Brooklyn Nets (7-6) vs. Orlando Magic (6-6)

WHEN: 6:00 PM EST

WHERE: YES Network (tv), WCBS (radio)

Game Preview.

So, yeah... Kevin Durant is still really friggin’ good. Just thought I should say that. In all seriousness, KD looks like his old self and has been holding it down while Irving is out. He’s already impossible to defend and having Harden running alongside him creates a nightmare scenario for opposing defenses. Who does your best defender guard? If you put him on Harden, Durant is liable to drop 30+ on you. Have that defender guard KD, and Harden can go for 30+ while saddling your team in foul trouble. And that’s before we get into Irving when he gets back. It’s an impossible puzzle to solve, so we’ll see how teams counteract it.

It feels like Aaron Gordon’s been around forever, but he’s only 25 years old. The high flyer is taking fewer shots inside the restricted area this year compared to last season, but he’s making the most out of his opportunities there (71.4 field goal percentage inside the restricted area). Jeff Green will be back at the four for Brooklyn and he’s done well this week in the starting lineup. He wasn’t doing well on the second unit, so his work in the starting five might compel Steve Nash to leave him there for the time being.

For more on the Magic, check out Orlando Pinstriped Post.