Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Power Rankings Roundup: Reasons to believe?

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and center Bismack Biyombo (11) high five against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 112-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) and center Bismack Biyombo (11) high five against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 112-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
"
" /

John Schuhmann, NBA.com

team. 41. After flattening two other MVP candidates earlier in the week, the Warriors took it easy on James Harden on Friday, though they allowed him only 13 shots and five free throws in 35 minutes. In their last three games, they’ve outscored the Thunder, Rockets and Magic 116-68 in the third quarter, pushing their third-quarter NetRtg to plus-23.0 points per 100 possessions, which (over a full season) would be the best mark for any team in any quarter in the last 20 years. Their upcoming schedule got a little less interesting with <strong><a rel=. (38-6). Previous: . Golden State Warriors. 1

team. 79. The Mavs are 4-2 with a starting lineup of <strong><a rel=. (15-29). Previous: . Dallas Mavericks. 26

(18-28). Previous: . Orlando Magic. 27. team. 38. It’s a good night when you outscore the Bucks by 22 points in the paint, as the Magic did on Friday. But their offense hasn’t been able to hold up without Evan Fournier, their defense hasn’t been able to stop some of the league’s best offenses over the last nine days, and they even allowed New Orleans to have one of its best offensive games of the season on Wednesday. Fournier’s absence has allowed Mario Hezonja to get double-digit minutes in four straight games for the first time since early November.

66. The Raptors have now been swept by the Kings and the Suns, who got a career-high 40 points (26 in the paint or at the line) from <strong><a rel=. (15-29). Previous: . Phoenix Suns. 28. team

The Evan Fournier injury has indeed thrown the Orlando Magic for a bit of a loop. As noted earlier, the Magic’s offense is not very good with or without Fournier.

In the few games since Fournier went out again, the Magic have had to watch for lapses of focus. When they rely too much on one-on-one basketball and let go of the rope defensively, the team can get embarrassed — Golden State Warriors or not.

The Magic are hoping to get a bit more from Mario Hezonja. But relying on him and C.J. Watson is not a good long-term solution.