The matchup between Cleveland and Orlando may not have the same luster as it used to with LeBron James now in Miami, but the Magic will try to hold the upper hand in the series when they host the Cavaliers tonight from Amway Center.
The Magic and Cavs split four meetings a season ago, while Orlando has won six of the previous nine contests in the series. Cleveland hasn't fared too well in the Magic Kingdom, losing 14 of its last 19 games there.
Orlando defeated James and the star-studded Heat on Wednesday at home, as Jameer Nelson posted 17 points and a career-high 14 assists in a winning effort that was highlighted by an 8-0 run by Orlando to break an 89-89 tie. Nelson was ejected with 39 seconds remaining in the game after receiving his second technical foul of the game for taunting.
Dwight Howard dominated inside with 24 points and 18 rebounds for Orlando, which rebounded from a loss at San Antonio to win for the fifth time in its last six tries.
"They're really good. You knew they were going to make a run eventually," said Magic guard J.J. Redick, who notched 20 points. "We had a few turnovers, and that allowed them to get back in the game. We talked about that we had worked so hard, we deserve to win that game."
Vince Carter missed the game with a knee sprain and is listed as questionable for tonight's game. The Magic are 7-2 as the host this season.
Cleveland has dropped three straight on the road and owns a 3-4 mark away from the Forest City this season. It won for just the second time in seven tries with Wednesday's 83-81 victory versus Milwaukee at Quicken Loans Arena.
Mo Williams scored a game-high 25 points and hit a fade-away jumper over Brandon Jennings at the buzzer. Anthony Parker netted 14 points and Daniel Gibson scored 12 in the win. Gibson is probable for Friday with a sore shoulder.
"You always dwell on hitting the game-winner," said Williams, who jumped on top of the scorer's table after his big shot. "Even when you were a kid, you always count down before you shoot it. This is definitely not pressure to take those shots."
The Cavs made only 42 percent of their shots to claim victory.