Live Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets at Orlando Magic, 8:00 PM EST

The first place Brooklyn Nets - has a nice ring to it; winners of six straight, looking to make it seven on Friday night when they take on the Orlando Magic.

Orlando is bad. They’ve lost 9 in a row. However, they have basically been playing without 7 of their 8 best players for a few weeks now. They are starting to get healthier, even though they basically don’t have a (healthy) true point guard on their roster.

So, I would overlook them - because they stink - but, also, they are better today than they were two weeks ago...better than the Nets? No, but better than themselves...from two weeks ago.

You know what I mean!

WHO: Brooklyn Nets (28-13) at Orlando Magic (13-27)

WHEN: 8:00 PM EST

WHERE: YES (tv), WFAN (radio)

Game Preview.

Player to watch: Aaron Gordon

Fans have been workshopping trade scenarios to get Gordon to Brooklyn for years, and as it turns out, the Nets kicked it around some before being rebuffed by the Magic. I’d say the Nets did fairly well for themselves with trades this season, right? Anyway, Gordon has been having his worst season as ankle injuries have limited him to only 21 games played this year. While he’s been out there, his minutes are at a career low along with his field goal percentage as he isn’t making as many of his shots close to the rim as we’re used to. On the bright side, he’s shooting a career high 36.8 percent from three point range so he has that going for him.

I had to look this up, but I have absolutely no recollection of Jeff Green playing for the Magic. He was there for one season in 2016-2017. Now that he’s here in Brooklyn, he’s done well in every role asked of him. He fills in capably as a starter, can play the smallball center role, is a veteran leader in the locker room, and has been helping guide Claxton’s growth. For a team like the Nets, players like Green are indispensable as they look to build championship habits. One thing Green has helped remind the Nets to do is not take opponents for granted and now that the Nets are fully involved in the race for homecourt advantage in the playoffs, Green will make sure they don’t overlook any team standing in their way.

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