Pre-Season Questions: How have the Orlando Magic responded?

Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives between the Orlando Magic defense on the way to the basket during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives between the Orlando Magic defense on the way to the basket during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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John Wall, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic
Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives between the Orlando Magic defense on the way to the basket during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

The Orlando Magic stand at 7-12. Behind that record lie a myriad of concerns, many of which have spilled over from preseason — some answered, some less so.

The Orlando Magic have been inconsistent in starting the 2017 season, with a struggling 7-12 record the result. Despite disappointing losses against the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns, individual struggles and a sometimes non-existent offense, the team has also shown when they pull everything together, as they did against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. They have the capability to be a playoff team.

This is the undoubted goal for the season — to make the playoffs. Should they fail to do so, that could well spell the end for this iteration of the Magic. The team undoubtedly has a lot riding on this season.

Now 19 games into the season, the Magic have reached the point where they can see the answers to some of the vital questions asked prior to the season.

Has the frontcourt logjam been resolved? Has the defense been as successful as hoped? Is Serge Ibaka the star the Magic hoped he could be?

It is these questions and more that can now be answered.