Orlando Magic Daily
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Trends or Mirages: Breaking down this year’s Orlando Magic

By Brett David Roberts

Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) high five after he made a basket in the act of getting fouled against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) high five after he made a basket in the act of getting fouled against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 6, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic fans cheer from the stands during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Trend: The Orlando Magic are a tough home team

Becoming a tough playoff contender begins with winning home games. The Magic are 9-5 at home this season, and the team won just 13 home games all of last season.

Orlando is finally defending its home court. The Magic have defeated the Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers at the Amway Center this season.

While only three of those nine victories came against 2015 playoff teams, the fact the Magic are beating the teams they are supposed to beat in the Amway Center is solid cause for rejoicing. The fan base had grown weary of filling the arena just to see lopsided losses and the Magic are a tough team to beat in its own venue — finally, and at last.

Orlando has done a number of things better at home than on the road, not the least of which is its 3-point shooting and free-throw attempts. At home the Magic knock in 1.7 more threes per game while attempting 3.6 more free throws per game.

The Magic also average 1.3 more offensive rebounds per game at home, and the team averages a full three points per game more in Orlando.

All the signs are encouraging. And Orlando has hardly been horrible on the road either at 6-7.

In the event the Magic land home-court advantage in the 2016 playoffs, it is comforting to know that Skiles has this team defending its home court.

Next: Pound it in the post!