Orlando Magic Daily
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Series the Orlando Magic must win to make a run at the Playoffs

By Drew Miller

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 10: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic plays defense during a game against the Chicago Bulls on April 10, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 10: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic plays defense during a game against the Chicago Bulls on April 10, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic, Jerian Grant, Chicago Bulls
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 10: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic plays defense during a game against the Chicago Bulls on April 10, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Orlando Magic struggled mightily last year. But if they can win these series, they have a chance at winning the eight seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Orlando Magic struggled mightily last year, finishing 29-53 and 12 games behind the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. This offseason the Magic improved their team, adding promising defender Jonathon Simmons, rookie Jonathan Isaac and a plethora of solid veterans like Arron Afflalo.

It was a summer of improvement, although it may not mean dramatic improvement for this team. That does not mean the Magic fall short in this wide-open Eastern Conference.

Many former playoff teams in the Eastern Conference have decided to rebuild, as many stars have left the East to form super teams in the West. The Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks, all former playoff teams, lost stars in Jimmy Butler, Paul George and Paul Milsap. They seem to be embracing the youth movement.

The hectic offseason has created a weak Eastern Conference, leaving the Magic with a prime opportunity to strike and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

But 12 games is a large gap, and teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks are ascending, which almost counterbalances the lost stars in the East. To overcome these obstacles, the Magic must be able to finish games they lost last year and beat the teams they should.

The NBA schedule is unforgiving (although a bit more forgiving now thanks to the NBA’s efforts to decrease back to backs). And Orlando will have to separate itself in some big series.

Starting Wednesday against the Miami Heat.

Here is a list of series the Magic must win the close the gap and grab a spot in the playoffs.