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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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2. Utilize depth

One of the Magic’s secrets to success this season, which has been overlooked by casual onlookers and opponents alike, has been the sneaky depth to the roster. This wasn’t always the case, and a cursory look over some of the bench units they have trotted out in recent years is not easy on the eyes.

Now though, they have a legitimate sixth man in Ross, while Isaiah Briscoe has emerged as a nice backup to point guard D.J. Augustin, who himself has lasted far longer in that role than anybody thought he would. That he is also leading the team in 3-point percentage (a scorching 44.1 percent) highlights the various ways the Magic can attack teams now.

But no players better encapsulates this depth than Khem Birch. His role had been limited with the addition of Bamba behind All-Star Nikola Vucevic, but with Bamba’s injury has come the need for Birch to play more.

Not only has he quickly established himself as a fan favorite because of how he plays, but he anchors the second unit brilliantly too. It feels like we’re still at the point where Birch will continue to be an unfortunate surprise for opponents to deal with on a given night, enhancing Orlando’s depth.

To add to all of this, former first overall pick Markelle Fultz may even make it back in time to help their push for the playoffs. The timetable for his return is still unknown, and in all likelihood, he will be shut down for the remainder of the year so that he can come back next season to try and reignite his career.

https://twitter.com/MVPGilbert/status/1098345443438850049

But if he does play before the regular season ends, it would be a nice boost for the team, no matter what his role is. Backing up Augustin seems most likely, but with less pressure to succeed he would help simply by being available.

Even Jerian Grant, who has seen his fair share of DNP-CDs this season, stepped up in the absence of Briscoe to have his best game in a Magic jersey in that win over the Raptors.

With Fultz on the horizon and Briscoe improving each game, Grant is playing for his NBA life. This kind of motivation and sudden depth at a position of typical weakness for the Magic, is exactly what they need at this point in the season. It keeps everything fresh, and players engaged.

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