It's hard to avoid the comparison, even if this NBA season barely has begun.

The Phoenix Suns (3-4) are struggling with new point guard Stephon Marbury, losing games to teams who won't be mistaken as contenders and playing the type of defense that may turn Coach Scott Skiles completely bald.

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the Nets are one of the hottest teams in the league with their point guard, Jason Kidd, whom the Suns traded for Marbury during the off-season.

Oddly enough, panic is starting to settle here. The Suns already are talking of turning points and getting over the hump during this young season. They begin a stretch of home games when the Magic (3-5), off to an equally poor start but not panicking, come to America West Arena for a game at 8 tonight.

"Even though it's early, we've got to make something happen," said former Magic guard Penny Hardaway, who leads the Suns in scoring at 21.9 points per game entering Tuesday night.

Tonight, the Magic will see a dramatically different Suns team from the one they faced last season. The debate is on as to whether different means better.