Which teams are the Orlando Magic battling for the 8th seed?
By Joe Buckley
Milwaukee Bucks (29-38) (11th spot) (1 game ahead of the Magic)
The Milwaukee Bucks have not sniffed the playoffs all year, and yet Sunday night managed to leap frog Orlando to take a place in the race.
This team made the Playoffs last year and has largely been a disappointment throughout the season as they integrated some new pieces. They have struggled with Michael Carter-Williams and Greg Monroe settling into the lineup.
But here they are, charging late and beginning to find their stride.
What’s against them
The Bucks have one of the worst defenses in the league, and have been all year after posting stellar defensive numbers last year.
O.J. Mayo is now out for the year along with Michael Carter-Williams, leaving them thin at the guard spots. Greg Monroe remains one of the only vets on the squad while Jason Kidd is still young (in coach years).
What’s going for them
Their young players have talent.
Giannis Antetounkompo has been placed at the point guard spot and excelled there. Jabari Parker is growing into more and more of a beast and they are as much a threat as the Magic at this point.
Can the Magic pass them?
Should the Magic pass them? Absolutely. They are right next door in the standings. Will they? Only if they get the job done.
Next: Underwhelming contenders