Orlando Magic Daily
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5 questions the Orlando Magic face in the season’s final quarter

By Ruben Badillo

Mar 5, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 115-114. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 115-114. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 13, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (11) drives to the basket during the first half against Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (11) drives to the basket during the first half against Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Will the Orlando Magic change their lineups?

This is a good time since the Magic likely will not make the playoffs to give the roster some changes and experiment with different smaller lineups.

They have already done that embracing a small-ball style and pushing the tempo more. Orlando is trying to forge a new identity.

Currently, the Magic starting lineup looks like this:

With the season ending next month, and the playoffs quite out of the picture, this is a good time for the Magic to change the team’s lineup and test out different groups and see who plays better with who.

Maybe give Mario Hezonja a chance to play with the big boys as a starter

Vogel does want the Magic to learn how to win games. Giving players starting roles like Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman and Bismack Biyombo can help them build confidence and understand how to win games for the team for the future. Sounds crazy but it is true if you think about it.

Right now Nikola Vucevic is out with an injury so this gives even a better opportunity to give that starting center role to Biyombo and give Stephen Zimmerman more playing time.

The Magic even tried Aaron Gordon and Jeff Green at center in Sunday’s loss to the Washington Wizards. There is the chance for some experimentation.

The Magic have to give these young players a chance to play through their mistakes. That is the way for them to understand how to play forward and help win games.

Statistically, the Magic are still in the playoffs race and not officially eliminated yet.

The Magic have a tough schedule coming up with 19 games left with two left against the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers and one against the Golden State Warriors. Not to mention, two more road trips including one out West.

Next: Nikola Vucevic is Orlando Magic's third quarter MVP

Orlando still has work to do and lessons to learn this season as the final quarter begins.