After yet another 2-1 week, the Orlando Magic will look to repeat that record vs the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Yet again, it seems the introductory line for the weekly preview goes pretty much the same. The Magic finished another week 2-1. Two good, satisfying wins against bottom or mid-level teams (the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets) plus a hard-fought but eventual loss to a top-tier team (Miami Heat).
The Magic have been stuck in this cycle for a while now. While it should be applauded the Magic are taking care of these lesser teams, it is still a source of frustration for fans, and surely the team too, that they cannot quite break into a streak, show their skills off against a big team and get that leap up the standings they have been eyeing for a month or so.
They keep coming up against these marquee teams, and often put up great performances . . . for most of the game.
And that is another frustrating point: The Magic do have a habit of giving up leads. It is as if fans are being teased with potential at this point.
Still, all things considered, the Magic had a winning week and added another one on Monday night against the New Orleans Pelicans. Now they face another three-game week with a back-to-back at the end: they face the Brooklyn Nets at home before heading off on a short road three-game road trip beginning at Washington and at Cleveland.
Next: Last of 2015