Orlando Magic Daily
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What’s left for Orlando Magic in the final week of the season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 31, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) reacts after a dunk by forward Aaron Gordon (00) during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) reacts after a dunk by forward Aaron Gordon (00) during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Doug McDermot, Chicago Bulls
Jan 24, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Doug McDermott (11) shoots a three pointer over Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (8) during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Playoff race

It is hard not to pay attention to the Eastern Conference Playoff race. And the Magic are in the center of it.

Coach Frank Vogel patterned the team’s closing games against the Indiana Pacers (from Saturday) and the Chicago Bulls (on Monday) as the Magic’s Playoffs. He held back some players from Thursday’s win over the Brooklyn Nets but would not do so for these games out of respect to the integrity of the Playoff race. He wants to give the other Playoff teams the benefit of his team’s effort to their Playoff chases.

That is the expectation again Monday when the Magic take on the Bulls. And considering Orlando’s disappointing effort Saturday, the team might be more focused than usual.

The Bulls absolutely need this game.

Chicago is currently in pole position tied with the Miami Heat. The Bulls own the tiebreaker over the Heat. They only need a win and a Heat loss to make the Playoffs.

The schedule seemingly would favor the Bulls too. They play the Magic and Nets at home to end the season. But Chicago lost to Brooklyn on Saturday in another must-win game.

Next: Nikola Vucevic frustrated with season

Orlando will play its part in determining the eighth seed this week.