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Orlando Magic: How they can get back to the playoffs

By Luke Duffy

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 26: Terrence Ross #8 of the Orlando Magic celebrates with Khem Birch #24 and Mo Bamba #5 against the LA Clippers during the second half at Amway Center on January 26, 2020 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 26: Terrence Ross #8 of the Orlando Magic celebrates with Khem Birch #24 and Mo Bamba #5 against the LA Clippers during the second half at Amway Center on January 26, 2020 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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2. Win some key games

A feature of the Magic making it to the playoffs last season was producing some memorable performances against contending outfits. They swept the season series with the Los Angeles Lakers, and beat the Houston Rockets and eventual champion Toronto Raptors as well. They even essentially punched their ticket to the postseason with a win away from home against the Boston Celtics.

So far this season, their best win has probably been over the Lakers again, away from home, or versus the Philadelphia 76ers in the Amway Center, with the 76ers having an awful record away from home themselves this season. They may have won their last two games before the All-Star break (over the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons), but they’ve lost to inferior opponents some too.

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Of their remaining 27 games, the Magic will face the Brooklyn Nets three times. This is huge, because the Nets hold the seventh seed, and there are currently two full games separating them in the standings. They simply have to win at least two of these contests, although going for all three is obviously the goal.

There is hope though, as ESPN gives the Orlando Magic the fourth easiest remaining schedule left to play. This is good news for the organization, with a four-game road trip the longest remaining time they’ll spend away from Orlando. They will see the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets twice more each, as well as playing the Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers and Knicks as well.

So while the key games last season came to be defined by pulling out upset wins over better teams, this time out it simply means taking care of business. The potential is there to get on a nice run and build momentum, just as they did 12 months ago. Teams like the 76ers and Celtics are waiting too, but if they can win against inferior opponents, it won’t matter.

Look for the two remaining games against the Indiana Pacers to be really important here too. The Pacers are a good young team, and have the potential to annoy opponents in the playoffs. They are still in the process of re-integrating Victor Oladipo, and could be picked off if the Magic catch them on the right night. This could lead to more valuable wins.

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