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NBA Power Rankings Week 5: Favorites keep falling, champs keep climbing

By Jack Simone

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks wait for a free throw during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 17, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks wait for a free throw during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 17, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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NBA; NBA Power Rankings
Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic dribbles against the Washington Wizards (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

NBA Power Rankings: 26. Orlando Magic (4-13)

Last week: (1-3) – @ ATL (L), @ NYK (W), @ BKN (L), @ MIL (L)

Rank last week: 26

Offensive rating: 102.5 (27th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 110.9 (28th in NBA)

The Orlando Magic may not be a very good team this year, but they sure are a fun one. Cole Anthony and Franz Wagner have given Magic fans a real reason to tune in to each and every game.

Anthony’s efficiency may be on the decline, but he’s still an electric player to watch. Meanwhile, Wagner has a real chance to be a top-three Rookie of the Year candidate this season.

Orlando is the worst team in the East in regard to standings, but their place in the power rankings is not solely based on that. They are above a few other teams due to their competitiveness against good teams.

Just this past week, they took down the Knicks and kept things close vs. the Nets. They even managed to upset the Jazz earlier this season.

Season outlook: Despite the excitement surrounding the team, the Magic still almost surely still find themselves in the lottery. That’s what everyone was expecting, though. The important thing is that they develop their young players and add another solid rookie next year.