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NBA Playoff Power Rankings Week 1: A touch of chaos to start the playoffs

By Corey Rausch

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 21: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors after making a half court shot against the Brooklyn Nets to end the first half in game three of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 21, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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 Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 21: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors after making a half court shot against the Brooklyn Nets to end the first half in game three of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 21, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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 Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /
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team. 38. . . . Orlando Magic. 14

Last Week: Beat Milwaukee 122-1120, Lost to Milwaukee 111-96, Lost to Milwaukee 121-107

The Orlando Magic shook everyone after a stunning Game 1 victory over the heavily favored Milwaukee Bucks. Many were predicting a sweep with every game ending with a double-figure scoring margin. The Magic have so far been slightly better than that at least.

This has come on the back of their All-Star Nikola Vucevic. In the playoffs, he is averaging 29.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He is playing like an elite player when his team needs it the most.

Orlando’s run is likely almost over as the Bucks finally seemed to figure out what issues they had as they pulled away in Game 3, making a five-game series the most likely outcome. But for the Magic to do this without Aaron Gordon, Mo Bamba, Jonathan Isaac and Michael Carter-Williams is still something positive to take away.

. . Indiana Pacers. 13. team. 100.

Last Week: Lost to Miami 1113-101, Lost to Miami 109-100, Lost to Miami 124-115

The ceiling has likely been met for this iteration of the Indiana Pacers. Without Victor Oladipo at full health and Domantas Sabonis at all, this team stood very little chance of making it out of the first round.

These playoff games have been close for the most part and Indiana will not go down without a fight. Malcolm Brogdon has been extremely effective for this team but that is simply not enough against the Miami Heat.

Brogdon is best suited to be your third-best player in all likelihood. T.J. Warren has been productive but not the bubble MVP candidate that Pacer fans needed to have a chance at succeeding in this round.