Hoops Habit
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NBA Power Rankings: HoopsHabit Holiday Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) hugs guard Victor Oladipo (5) after he made the game winning shot at the buzzer during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Atlanta Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) hugs guard Victor Oladipo (5) after he made the game winning shot at the buzzer during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Atlanta Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

25. Orlando Magic

Record: 11-20

Last Week: 1-3

Previous Rank: No. 21

The Orlando Magic have built a hard-nosed and rugged trio for the future with guard Victor Oladipo, forward Tobias Harris and center Nikola Vucevic. That trio not only plays strong defense, but offers high-caliber production on a nightly basis.

Orlando isn’t quite ready to contend, but it competes every night and gives every team it faces as much as it can handle.

The 11-20 Magic are only 3.0 games back of the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. They’ve played strong defense at times this season, but lack the necessary offensive firepower to consistently win games.

The previously alluded to trio is noteworthy nonetheless.

With upside players such as Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton, Orlando could be a legitimate force in the near future. Better distribution on offense and improved shooting will go a long way towards solidifying their future.

Patience is never easy in the NBA, but it must be had with the Magic.

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