NBA Power Rankings Week 5: How good are the Utah Jazz?

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 21, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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team. 38. . 7-9. Previous: 22nd. Orlando Magic. 24

Last Week: Lost to New York Knicks 91-84, Beat Minnesota Timberwolves 97-96, Lost/OT to Indiana Pacers 120-118

This Week: 1/24 vs. Charlotte Hornets, 1/25 vs. Charlotte Hornets, 1/27 vs. Sacramento Kings, 1/29 vs. LA Clippers

The Orlando Magic are continuing to struggle as the weeks go on. If not for a Cole Anthony buzzer-beater to knock off the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Magic would have lost eight in a row. Anthony has been forced into a role he was not yet prepared for and is doing his best to live up to it.

Flying under the radar is the week Aaron Gordon has had. He nearly averaged a triple-double, posting a line of 16.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 2.7 blocks per game. He shot 38.9 percent on 6.0 3-point attempts per game. The former lottery pick is playing well as his name continues to get brought up in trade rumors.

These rumors have been around for years as the Magic have languished on the lower end of the playoff picture but this may finally be the time to pull the trigger. The Magic as a whole are looking at a tough road ahead as two of their top three players are out for the rest of the year. Leaning into the tank for the first time in years over going all out for a play-in spot could be exactly what this franchise needs.