NBA Power Rankings Week 8: The Phoenix Suns are rising

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 31: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz drives into Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 31, 2020 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) /

4 of 31

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic. 28. team. 38. . 10-17. Previous: 28th

Last Week: Lost to Portland Trail Blazers 106-97, Lost to Golden State Warriors 111-105, Beat Sacramento Kings 123-112

This Week: 2/14 at Phoenix Suns, 2/17 vs. New York Knicks, 2/19 vs. Golden State Warriors

With Cole Anthony and Evan Fournier finding themselves out of the lineup, there are plenty of instances where Nikola Vucevic finds himself as the only NBA rotation caliber player in the starting lineup for the Orlando Magic. He has performed admirably, including his 42-point outburst in a win over the Sacramento Kings, but that does not change the lost nature of this season for the Magic.

That win against the Kings actually reaffirmed the dire nature of the roster at the moment. Michael Cater-Williams returned to action and was immediately the second-best player on the team. Outside of Terrence Ross, the two most interesting players coming off the bench were Mo Bamba and Khem Birch.

Vucevic is trying to make his case as an All-Star. With everyone else out of the rotation, he posted a line this week of 31.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game on shooting splits of .530/.524/.722. He is unlikely to make it but what he is doing for the Magic in their depleted state is admirable if nothing else. Eventually, the injury bug has to depart because it is getting ridiculous at this point. Frank Mason played four minutes in the starting lineup before finding himself on the shelf as well.