Orlando Magic Power Rankings Roundup: Signs of life, even in death

Mar 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives to the basket as Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) defends during the second half at Amway Center.Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives to the basket as Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) defends during the second half at Amway Center.Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic
Mar 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) is congratulated by Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) and Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) after he made a basket in the act of getting fouled and shoots and one during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Rowland, DIME

"The Magic have quietly won three of five, including a dominant win over the flailing Pistons. Let’s just say that I’m not inspired by that particular run of mild success."

Indeed, the Magic’s recent run of success has been a nice break from the monotony of a disastrous season. But the wins they have gotten are not impressive.

The Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers are potentially tanking and wins are not important to them. The Detroit Pistons are a walking disaster and sinking out of the Playoffs quickly. The Magic have taken advantage of a soft part in the schedule.

Really, Orlando has beaten the teams the team should. It does not mean the magic are a good team or building concrete habits to move forward. Orlando could use some nice wins to end the season against a decent team. Those opportunities are running out (hello Boston on Friday and Cleveland on Tuesday).

Otherwise, there are still some interesting chances at wins. Two more games against the Brooklyn Nets. And now they have the struggling Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons at home to pick off.

Next: Controlling defense with pace a constant struggle

No one is impressed by those, but they are nice nonetheless.