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Orlando Magic feeling confident as preseason nears its end

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 7: Bismack Biyombo #11 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Miami Heat during a preseason game on October 8, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 7: Bismack Biyombo #11 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Miami Heat during a preseason game on October 8, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic have just one more preseason game left before the regular season begins. Entering that final test, the team is feeling confident.

There is an unmistakable whiff of optimism this time of year. Everyone is feeling good and generally likes the direction they are headed. It is hard not to when everyone is 0-0 after all.

For an Orlando Magic franchise that is searching for something good to feel about, the preseason has been full of positive talking points backed up by improved play. Everything about the Magic feels. . . better.

Of course, how could it not after the way last year went?

Many of the returning players on the Magic remember that feeling well and came back determined to make sure this year is different. Players like Bismack Biyombo said being home early was painstaking and it was not something he said he wanted to experience again.

The team knows it still has a long way to go, but it is hard to argue with what the team has seen on the court.

The Orlando Magic will finish their preseason Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers in what will amount to a “dress rehearsal” for the team. There is still plenty to clean up, but the general feeling from this preseason has been a positive one throughout the team.

"“Just play the same way we have been playing,” Bismack Biyombo told Orlando Magic Daily of the team’s goals for the preseason finale. “I think you can tell the way we are playing, we play for each other. We’re playing our game. The bottom line is we’ve got to keep playing our game to have a great season. I think so far we have done that in the preseason.”"

Coach Frank Vogel said the Magic will likely play close to their regular rotation for the most part Friday. Terrence Ross missed practice Thursday with the flu and is not likely to play Friday. Evan Fournier, who like Terrence Ross missed the last two games, practiced Thursday and should be available for the Magic on Friday.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

This game is the Magic’s last chance to get work in before the games start counting. Vogel started ramping up some starters’ minutes in Tuesday’s win over the San Antonio Spurs as the season comes into sharper focus. Aaron Gordon, Bismack Biyombo, Elfrid Payton and Jonathon Simmons all totaled more than 30 minutes in the game with Gordon playing 37 minutes in the Magic’s win.

There is an undeniable sense watching this team that it has adopted something that looks like a distinct style. The team has focused on pushing the pace and embracing the small-ball style that seemed to work last year. Their defense is a scrambling style that can trap on the wings and switch screens easily.

For both the offense and defense, the team has plenty to clean up. But overall, the Magic seem encouraged with what they can do.

"“It’s not bad,” Evan Fournier told Orlando Magic Daily. “I think we are going in the right direction. It’s obviously not enough. We have to keep working. We have to stay at it and see how it goes. Just stay positive no matter what. But we are definitely going in the right direction.”"

Vogel said he felt the team was more confident in camp this year. He said the style the team adopted at the end of last season certainly had a carryover. The team’s comfort and liking to that style helped them pick things up quickly.

Vogel also added playing this fast-breaking style is more fun. Attacking in transition and shooting 3-pointers is a much more attractive style for a young, athletic team. The players seem more excited and engaged to play.

The continuity and familiarity along with that stylistic approach have the Magic in a good frame of mind entering the season.

"“I’m excited for everybody,” Biyombo told Orlando Magic Daily. “I feel like this is a good feeling of this year from everybody. I feel we all got better. And quite frankly, I look forward to the season and the opportunity to do it again and do it better.”"

Of course, the team still has to learn how to execute in the half court. That is a clear deficiency with the team. When the Magic are slowed to a crawl, they struggle to generate good shots consistently.

That puts a lot of pressure on the defense. And while Orlando has put up solid numbers defensively in the preseason, the team still needs to improve its play on the initial ball handlers and defending their own man. Too often this preseason, the team has had to over rotate and collapse into the paint, giving up open 3-pointers.

It is hard to say precisely what is real from this team and what is not until the regular season begins and they play against normal lineups and regular competition. That might be something the Magic reveal Friday with the starters playing together again and playing more normal minutes.

That is still the great unknown. And the Magic certainly will want to see a strong showing against the Cavaliers in their preseason finale.

All signs point to this team playing well. Things certainly are feeling good as the preseason comes to a close. Just where that takes them next is the mystery as the team’s confidence seems like it is brimming.

Next: D.J. Augustin vows a better 2018 season

Another solid performance would only bring good vibes heading into the regular season.