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Orlando Magic: 3 broad goals for the rest of their season

By Luke Duffy

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: The Orlando Magic look on against the Toronto Raptors on December 28, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: The Orlando Magic look on against the Toronto Raptors on December 28, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Make the playoffs

It seems obvious, but the fact that this is still the main goal speaks to the positive steps that have already been taken by the Magic. To be in this position at this stage in the season is all fans could have hoped for before the campaign began.

We are now getting to the point where there would be disappointment if they don’t get back to the postseason, such are the expectations that are beginning to grow. The Magic now seem capable of hanging with any team on any given night, and they have picked up some notable wins already this year.

Where they could still do with improving, however, is by avoiding dropping winnable games against the likes of the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls. Both games highlighted the deficiencies that still exist. If they could even have just those two losses back, they would still be holding onto a postseason spot.

The Magic are about to embark on a six-game road trip, with four of those games taking place out West. If they can come through that even at 3-3, while picking up important wins over the Hornets (close to each other in the standings) and Bulls (a team they should beat), they will be one step closer to ticking this huge goal off of their list.

There are some who may argue this shouldn’t be the main aim as they will only get bounced in the first round of the playoffs anyway, and that is most likely correct. But the prospect of having postseason basketball return to Orlando is an exciting one.

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It would be a great experience for the young guys on the team, and a reward for a season’s hard work as well. It may also influence what a second-tier free agent decides to do next summer. A young core and the ability to get back to the playoffs as a team on the up-and-up is an enticing combo.

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