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Magic-Raptors Preview
Orlando Magic at Toronto Raptors
- The Raptors, who have lost three of their last four games to Orlando, will be hosting their fourth consecutive game in this series.
- After winning just four of their first 23 games this season, the Raptors have won four consecutive games for the first time since November 17-24, 2010.
- The Magic have won four consecutive games for the first time since February 11-17. They also have allowed less than 100 points in each of their last nine games -- the second longest active streak (Memphis 22) in the NBA.
- While the Magic have attempted 102 fewer free throws than their opponents this season (513-411), they have made just 40 fewer free throws than their foes (366-326).
- Jose Calderon dished out a season-high 18 assists the last time the Raptors faced the Magic (November 18). Calderon has also dished out at least 14 assists in three of his last five games.
- J.J. Redick has made 24 three-pointers this month -- tied (Toney Douglas and Jodie Meeks) for the most by any bench player in the league.
By NOEY KUPCHAN
(AP) -- While Andrea Bargnani and Kyle Lowry remain sidelined, the Toronto Raptors are surprisingly playing their best basketball of the season.
The Orlando Magic are too, though extending their four-game winning streak may be tough without Glen Davis.
The visiting Magic won't have their starting power forward for the first time this season Friday night when they face the Raptors, who are also seeking a fifth consecutive victory.
Orlando (12-13) ranks 26th in the league with 92.8 points per game but has picked up the pace of late, averaging 99.5 in its last four. The Magic's latest victory, though, came at a cost.
Averaging a team best-tying 16.0 points and 7.9 rebounds, Davis fell to the floor after taking a hard foul with 47.8 seconds left in a 90-83 win over Washington on Wednesday. While an MRI revealed no structural damage on his sprained left shoulder, Davis could miss four to six weeks.
"Everybody is key to this team because we've relied on everyone at different times," guard J.J. Redick told the team's official website. "Glen has been great for us, but we need other guys now to step up. We have capable guys who can do it. I don't expect us to drop off in any way."
Big men Gustavo Ayon, Josh McRoberts and rookie Andrew Nicholson figure to take on more minutes with Davis out. The Magic will also surely need Redick to shoulder more of the scoring load.
Redick, averaging career highs of 14.2 points and 4.9 assists, has scored 16.3 per game while going 13 for 26 from 3-point range during the team's run.
"Our level of play and effort has been consistent all season," he said. "We still have a lot to clean up, but we're improving. That's the biggest thing right now."
While Bargnani and Lowry have missed the last five games, Toronto (8-19) has outscored opponents by an average of 12.0 points during its four consecutive wins.
Jose Calderon had 17 assists and DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points as the Raptors beat Detroit 97-91 on Wednesday. Toronto was outrebounded 44-33 and outscored 50-32 in the paint but committed a season-low six turnovers.
"We're finding ways to win and that's the most important thing for our group," coach Dwane Casey said. "We're believing we can win, we're trusting each other, we're pulling for each other."
The Raptors have also received a huge boost from Alan Anderson, who's averaged 19.3 points off the bench in the last three games. He scored 16 on Wednesday.
"That's what he does," DeRozan said. "If a couple of us don't have it going, he's definitely one guy we can go to to get points or create something for somebody else."
Toronto had dropped three in a row to Orlando before winning 97-86 on Nov. 18 behind a season-high 18 assists from Calderon and 20 points from DeRozan. Davis had 16 points and 12 boards.
Updated December 20, 2012
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