Orlando Magic Power Rankings Roundup: Ups and downs

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D.J. Augustin, Orlando Magic, Tony Allen, Memphis Grizzlies

Dec 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14) drives around Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 112-202. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

The Orlando Magic continue to go through their season, facing the ups and downs of being essentially a .500 team. Everyone is waiting for the season to turn.

The Orlando Magic have done a good job treading water this season. At least so far.

Granted, they started off a little bit behind the 8-ball. They entered Monday’s game four games below .500 and needing to make up ground to get back into the playoff hunt.

The Magic had not won consecutive games since the road trip ended in Washington in early December. Ironically, that was also the last time the Magic had given up fewer than 100 points before Friday’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Magic have spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to get things back on track. That has been the big mystery for the season. How to become “the good” version of the Orlando Magic.

Consistency has been as elusive for the team as it has for individual players.

If Monday’s 112-102 win over the Memphis Grizzlies was any sign, it was the Magic are starting to figure things out and play with some urgency to make some much-needed change and play with even-more-needed consistency.

Orlando’s starters turned in two solid defensive performances in back-to-back games. It seems like things are getting back on track for the Magic. At least the Magic might be able to say that in earnest. Momentum is the next day’s pitcher.

Last week, though, the Magic faced their bumps and bruises. They recovered from their difficult loss to the Toronto Raptors to win in double overtime against the Miami Heat. Only to lose in disappointing fashion to the New York Knicks with a subpar effort. Only then to win consecutive games over the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies.

There have been plenty of ups and downs for the Magic in the last week. And little consistency. That is something Orlando hopes to fix in the next week.

With the rest of the Eastern Conference struggling itself, the Magic are right in the thick of things if only they could continue their upswing.