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Orlando Magic: 5 keys to series vs. Raptors

By Luke Duffy

BOSTON - APRIL 7: Orlando Magic's Wes Iwundu (25) celebrates with head coach Steve Clifford after the Magic won, clinching the Southeast Division title and a playoff berth. The Boston Celtics host the Orlando Magic in a regular season NBA basketball game at TD Garden in Boston on April 7, 2019. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON - APRIL 7: Orlando Magic's Wes Iwundu (25) celebrates with head coach Steve Clifford after the Magic won, clinching the Southeast Division title and a playoff berth. The Boston Celtics host the Orlando Magic in a regular season NBA basketball game at TD Garden in Boston on April 7, 2019. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

4. Utilize depth

For years, the Magic’s lack of depth was an issue that fans were all too painfully aware of. Last year, however, they began putting together what looked like the bones of a bench, and this season it has paid off in a big way. Ross, Wesley Iwundu and Khem Birch were all added last season (or in the case of Ross, even before then), but came into their own once Clifford took over.

Birch is now firmly entrenched as a fan favorite, and has begun to get noticed by notable media personalities such as ESPN‘s Zach Lowe for what he can do on the court too. Whether he stays beyond this playoff run, there is no doubt he makes their second unit better.

No matter who he matches up with on the Raptors, and it will surely be Serge Ibaka for stretches, Birch has the defensive IQ and quick feet to keep the Magic competitive. Iwundu morphed into a more dependable player in year two of his career, approaching serviceable “3-and-D” territory by season’s end.

He shot 36.7 percent from 3-point range during the regular season, and considering he will spend time on the court with Ross (38.3 percent from deep), there will be plenty of space for drivers such as Michael Carter-Williams to work with.

Carter-Williams was a lovely addition to close out the campaign and lock up a playoff spot. His awareness to know that this could be his last stop before being out of the league, coupled with what he is able to do defensively because of his long frame, made him a favorite of coach Clifford right away.

It doesn’t hurt that the two spent time working together in Charlotte with the Hornets either. This is without even mentioning Vucevic, Gordon or Isaac, one of which can play with the second unit at all times, or even D.J. Augustin, who has been on a one-man revenge tour all season. There’s sneaky depth here that the Raptors need to be aware of.

The Raptors have a solid bench as well, but if the Magic can get solid minutes out of their second unit, they stand a chance in this series.

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