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Magic, Cavs square off at the Q

Mar 21, 2011 - 2:51 PM (Sports Network) - The playoff-bound Orlando Magic will tune up for the postseason tonight by visiting the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers in the opener of a brief two-game road trip.

The Magic, who will be attempting to sweep their four-game season set with the Cavs, won their second straight game on Friday in central Florida when Jameer Nelson drilled a three-pointer from the top of the arc at the buzzer, lifting Orlando to an 85-82 win over the Denver Nuggets.

After Denver's Danilo Gallinari tied the game with two free throws, Orlando set up an inbounds play into a halfcourt set with 5.7 seconds on the clock. Nelson got the ball, guarded by Ty Lawson, then took a step toward the basket before rising for the game-winning shot.

Nelson finished with 13 points, none bigger than the final three, which handed the Magic their second consecutive win. Dwight Howard had 16 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks.

"I thought both teams played very hard and our guys had a terrific defensive effort tonight," said Orlando head coach Stan Van Gundy. "Dwight blocked shots and we did a great job taking away three's from them. Terrific effort out there today."

The Magic remain four games behind Miami for both the third spot in the Eastern Conference and the Southeast Division lead.

The Cavs, who are opening up a five-game homestand tonight, dropped their second straight in LA on Saturday when Blake Griffin finished with 30 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, as the Clippers topped the Cavaliers, 100-92, at Staples Center.

Los Angeles snapped a nine-game losing streak to Cleveland, and did it with the help of a healthy Eric Gordon. Gordon, who had missed the past six games with a right wrist injury, hit six three-pointers and finished with 29 points in the win.

J.J. Hickson paced Cleveland with 28 points and nine rebounds. Ramon Sessions scored 18 with seven assists, while Samardo Samuels scored 17 points before fouling out for Cleveland, which has lost six of seven overall.

"When Blake [Griffin] and I play against each other we both elevate our games," Hickson said.

Point guard Baron Davis missed the game against his ex-team with back spasms and remains questionable for tonight.