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Orlando Magic: 3 keys to making 2019 NBA Playoffs

By Luke Duffy

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Khem Birch #24 and Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic talk during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on February 14, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Khem Birch #24 and Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic talk during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on February 14, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic
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3. Take advantage of their schedule

According to Tankathon.com, the Magic have the sixth-easiest remaining schedule in the league. This is good news, but if they throw away games like the recent defeat to the Bulls and Knicks then this won’t mean anything. In fact, prior to the Knicks game, their schedule was the third-easiest, with that loss perhaps altering their outlook going forward.

However, if they can beat the teams they’re supposed to, as well as sneak in a win or two against better teams, then they’ll be in a great position to make the playoffs.

Ironically, the Magic have played better against teams that are perceived as being better than them, having swept their season series with the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as beating the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets and Raptors (twice).

These wins have kept their playoffs dreams alive, and now that the schedule is softening it is about solidifying their position at the expense of others.

The schedule of other teams could also work in their favor, with the Brooklyn Nets in particular having a tough run of games to finish out their regular season. Tankathon reckons they have the fourth-hardest schedule left to play, and this includes a brutal five-game West coast swing.

Also nestled in there are away games against the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers and an Indiana Pacers squad that won’t seem to go away. The Bucks, Raptors and Celtics will be going to the Barclays Center before the regular season is finished too.

The Nets have been a feel-good story this season, so the Magic will need more than a potential free-fall from a team playing under no pressure to make sure it gets in. Luckily, the Charlotte Hornets are also vying for a spot and have the third-toughest remaining schedule.

This bodes well for the Magic, but they need to take care of their own business as well. The schedule has broken kindly for them, and with the way they’ve been playing recently, they should be favored in a lot of matchups they go into.

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