Orlando Magic: 5 keys to bouncing back in December

4. Get Jonathan Isaac back

One notable factor in the Magic’s recent nine-game losing streak was rookie Jonathan Isaac going down injured during that period. He still hasn’t returned for the team, but is likely to do so later in the month. It might not show up in the box score, but getting Isaac back is hugely important.

Although he is only averaging 6.1 points and 4.4 rebounds so far this season, Isaac is the kind of versatile forward who gives opponents headaches on both ends of the court.

His ability to switch onto smaller, faster players or keep big men out of the paint has made the game easier for everybody on the team at that end of the court this season. In fact, Isaac’s 1.3 blocks per game still leads this team (tied with Bismack Biyombo), despite sitting out for a couple of weeks.

Once Isaac went down we saw what the Magic’s deeper rotation was made of, with Marreese Speights seeing his minutes increase and doing an admirable job on the court.

Really though, if this team wants to continue on the upward trajectory it showed earlier in the season, it needs to get Isaac back and playing the 20 minutes he was before going down.

The Magic have two back-to-backs this month, so they should also be cautious with rushing him back as well. They’re going to need him over this festive period though.