Orlando, FL (My Sportsbook) - A pair of first place squads tangle this evening when the Atlantic Division-leading Orlando Magic face off against the Seattle SuperSonics, who sit atop the Pacific Division, at T.D. Waterhouse Centre.

Seattle suffered its first defeat of the season on Wednesday as it dropped an 86-84 decision at the hands of the New Orleans Hornets. Gary Payton registered 29 points, nine assists and six rebounds in the losing effort, while Rashard Lewis added 21 points and seven boards.

The Sonics played from behind nearly the entire game and had no answer for Baron Davis, who scored 23 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out nine assists.

"I think Davis can go wherever he wants with the ball," Seattle coach Nate McMillan said. "He's a difficult guy. He's one of the best guards in the league."

Desmond Mason chipped in with 10 points and six rebounds off the bench, but the Sonics shot just eight percent (1-for-12) from three-point range. The Sonics were also outrebounded, 45-41.

The Sonics will have their hands full with the duo of Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady this evening. McGrady is coming off an impressive performance on Tuesday against Sacramento, when he poured in 41 points while posting eight rebounds and seven assists in their 125-121 win. The talented small forward has registered 88 points in the last two games.

"I see something good with this team in the playoffs. I really think this is the team of the East," McGrady said. "Last year, I was hoping that we were going to be a good team. This year, I truly believe we're a good team. Having Grant back is really helping our confidence even more."

Hill had 21 points in 33 minutes after sitting out the second half of Sunday's game to rest his ankle. Mike Miller tossed in 14 points and Pat Burke added 12 points and eight boards in the win.

Orlando has won two straight and jumped out to its best start since the 1998-99 campaign. The Magic have yet to lose in two home games this season.

Seattle won both meetings between these clubs last year and three straight overall. Nonetheless, the Magic have won three of the last four contests at home in the series.