Magic Wands: at Pacers 1/26

Indianapolis, Ind.
(29-16) vs. (16-25)

--Stan Van Gundy is confident his team's defense will improve and that the players will get out of this rut. As I discovered, consistency might be the team's biggest issue. David Steele of Parquet Report writes it might be time to go back to the drawing board on the defensive end.

--Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel tries to figure out who Orlando's go-to guy is after the departure of Vince Carter. They may have more than one.

--Jason Williams is not with the team while it is on their two-game road trip, reports Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel. It is the second road trip he has missed.

--Kelly Dwyer of Ball Don't Lie writes Roy Hibbert's ability to adjust to defenders who know his name might hold the key to Indiana's season.

--Pacers coach Jim O'Brien tells Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star he is confident his team can make the postseason despite a struggling 16-25 first half.

--Eddy Rivera of Magic Basketball analyzes Dwight Howard's MVP candidacy.

--Quentin Richardson got some meaningful minutes in Monday's loss, but Zach McCann of the Orlando Sentinel writes don't expect him to join the rotation any time soon.

--Evan Dunlap of Orlando Pinstriped Post writes the consternation over Dwight Howard's future could be a lot worse. Take Deron Williams, for example.

--On Feb. 12, several items inside the Amway Arena will be up for auction -- including game-worn jerseys, seats and items from the Magic locker room.