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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Miami Heat

Oct. 18 at Orlando
Dec. 26 at Miami
Dec. 30 at Orlando
Feb. 5 at Miami

Did you really expect any other team as the number one team the Orlando Magic must beat this year to make the Playoffs?

The Miami Heat are right there with the Orlando Magic competing for a Playoff spot. They finished a close ninth last year and return with their same solid core. This came after their incredible 31-10 tear to end the season and get back into the Playoff race.

But the one thing Miami could not solve was Orlando. The Magic were very successful last year against the Heat. Orlando won its series for the Sunshine State for the first time since 2009 with a 3-1 record against.

Nikola Vucevic is the key player for the Magic in this series.

He has continually dominated the Heat in his career, posting 18.1 points per game and has added 10.9 boards per game. Nikola Vucevic must continue to dominate for the Magic to take this series, as he will be matching up against the Heat’s best player — center Hassan Whiteside.

The battle in the paint, the battle of the team’s stars, will decide this series.

Another crucial matchup is the point guards. While Elfrid Payton has struggled in his short NBA career. Keep an eye out for him this year, as he has worked on his shooting and is in a make or break contract year. In his first full year on the Heat, Goran Dragic lived up to the expectations, averaging more than 20 points per game and just short of six assists per game. Whicher point guard can space the floor and keep the ball moving will create an important advantage in this series.

Taking three or four versus the Heat is crucial, as this series could decide who makes the playoffs and who ends the season in disappointment.