THE OPPONENT

KEVIN MARTIN UPDATE

KEY BATTLE

Dwight Howard vs. Everyone. In the New Magic World Order, Howard is getting fewer touches than in any season since his 19-year-old rookie year. That's a problem for Orlando … but a boon to the Kings, who simply have too much trouble defending the paint against the league at large, let alone such a wunderkind performer. Despite the offensive contraction, Howard still averages 10 FGAs and 10 FTAs per 36 minutes. That could be severe trouble, my friends. Hack 'em up.

BOLD PROCLAMATION

NUMERIC PREDICTION

Kings by 14.

DETAILS

7 PM tip, with the second game thread coming at 8. Post-gamer at 9:45.