As much as Bogans tried to laugh it off -- it's tough because he's a free-agent-in-waiting -- he knows that Coach Stan Van Gundy rides the hot guys.

It's not that Mickael Pietrus has been on fire, either, but he was the starter at shooting guard when the season began and before he was injured.

Excited to be back after missing 10 games with a thumb injury, Pietrus was throwing up not-so-guided missiles against the L.A. Lakers. He looked better against his old team, the Warriors, scoring 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting. But he missed some shots at the end that were questionable attempts, according to Van Gundy.

Still, the Magic didn't sign Pietrus this summer to come off the bench the rest of the way. So it wouldn't be surprising if he's back in the starting lineup Thursday against New Orleans.

Homecourt revival

One of the big reasons Orlando has equaled its best start over its first 28 games is its play at home.

Last season the Magic were the road Warriors, their 27-14 record away from Amway Arena better than their 25-16 home tally. This season they've done a better job of protecting their home court, with a 12-3 record at Amway and 10-3 record away.

"People say we haven't been protecting our home court, but this year we have been trying to do a better job of that and give the fans a lot more to come out to," PG Jameer Nelson said.

Orlando has now won seven in a row at home. The last time the Magic won seven or more consecutive games at home was in 2006 when they reeled off 12 in a row.

Hornets update

The streaking Magic's Christmas opponent, the New Orleans Hornets, also went into their Tuesday night game with the Lakers on a hot streak, looking to conclude a 3-0 homestand. The Lakers, however, had other thoughts and stifled Chris Paul and the Hornets 100-87. Paul, who was averaging 20.2 points and 11.8 assists, had 17 and 10.

The Hornets could be without F Peja Stojakovic on Thursday against Orlando. Stojakovic has missed three straight games with back issues and is questionable.