Orlando Magic Power Rankings Roundup: Signs of life, even in death
AJ Neuharth-Keusch, USA TODAY
1. team. 41. . (59-14). Previous: . Golden State Warriors
93. . (27-46). Previous: . Philadelphia 76ers. 25. team
. (27-46). Previous: . Orlando Magic. 26. team. 38
"The Magic — who still aren’t technically out of playoff contention with nine games left and eight games between them and eighth place — have won three of their last four games, including a commanding 115-87 rout of the Pistons on Friday night. It’s only a matter of time before the clock strikes midnight, but nonetheless, coach Frank Vogel is making the most of this final stretch."
(27-46). Previous: . New York Knicks. 27. team. 27.
Since USA TODAY published their power rankings, the Orlando Magic were officially eliminated from the Playoffs. Still, the Magic are trying to soldier on.
If there is a goal for the rest of the season it is in performances like this, where the team’s power ranking is better than its actual record and place within the Lottery odds. The Magic appeared to accomplish that with their strong week last week.
There is still more they can do though. And they can still probably do it without ruining their Lottery odds too much.
The bunch in the four through seven spots are bunched up pretty tight. As of Thursday, two games separate spots four through seven. The reality is none of these teams are good enough to sustain very much and they will all do plenty of losing.
Orlando may still end up with the fifth or sixth Lottery odds. That is still plenty of opportunity to get a good player. And a few more wins will help the team grow for next season more than re-enforcing losing as a reality.