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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Brooklyn Nets

Oct. 20 at Brooklyn
Oct. 24 at Orlando
Jan. 1 at Brooklyn
March 28 at Orlando

The Magic need to win the easy games to have a shot at the playoffs. While this may seem to be obvious, the Orlando Magic threw away a game versus the Brooklyn Nets last year (2-1 against them). While last year losing to the Nets late in the year was fine (lottery odds), this year will be different. As a team potentially competing for a playoff spot, bad losses at the end of the year will be killers.

As a team potentially competing for a playoff spot, bad losses at the end of the year will be killers.

The Magic must win the games they should. That is what the Playoff teams do. It separates them from the standings. Many suspect the Magic and Nets will battle for spot in the Playoff picture.

The Nets are devoid of talent and not much has changed since last year. They should finish again among the worst in the league.

While there is excitement for the additions of D’Angelo Russell and the progressions of Caris LeVert and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, I would temper these expectations. Russell has been thoroughly unimpressive so far and was traded for cap space only two years removed from being the second overall pick.

There is still a general lack of game-changing talent on this team. Brooklyn should continue to struggle.

The Magic must sweep the Nets and other struggling teams. This is how they rise above this status in the standings.

Next: Jonathan Isaac should find some minutes at center

If the Magic can beat all the teams they should and steal a couple versus playoff teams, they will have a good shot at the Playoffs.