Eddie House Dictating Magic Lineup

This might be a first for journeyman Eddie House. He is dictating another team's lineup.

Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy had wanted to get Courtney Lee back into the starting lineup for Game 4 against the Boston Celtics, but he was afraid of what House might do.

Lee is Orlando's best perimeter defender. He missed three consecutive games after surgery to repair a fractured sinus and returned Friday in a reserve role, looking like he never missed a beat, except for the mask he was wearing to protect his face. And normally, he would be put back in the starting lineup where he belongs.

But House is scaring the Magic, and with good reason. House, who plays in reserve for the Celtics, has shot 73 percent (19 of 26) from the field and 75 percent (9 of 12) from 3-point range in this series.

Because of House, the Magic Sunday night stuck with J.J. Redick starting against Ray Allen, holding back Lee to make sure he was in the game against House.

"We didn't want to be in a situation where Courtney was going to the bench, or having to be on the bench when Eddie is coming into the game," said Van Gundy an hour before the start of Game 4. "He is still on our mind. The guy with the best chance of keeping up with him is Courtney."

House is averaging 17.3 points in 20.7 minutes in this series. His hot shooting goes back even further, to Game 7 against the Chicago Bulls when he hit all five of his shots, including four 3-pointers to help win that series.

"We haven't had any answer whatsoever for Eddie. And look at the stat sheets. How can you be a two-guard shooting 73 percent from the field," Van Gundy said. "So our move, is all about matchups."

House, who has been with eight teams in his nine NBA seasons, shot 44 percent from the field and the same 44 percent from 3-point range. He averaged 8.5 points.

"He's been on fire," said Celtics Coach Doc Rivers before the game. "And I hope he stays that way."

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