Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic heading West as tough road begins

By Joe Buckley

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 1: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 1, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 1: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 1, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 16: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 16, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Nov. 11: @ Denver Nuggets

Continuing on the climb up the Western Conference standings, the confusing Denver Nuggets are next.

The Nuggets were many people’s pick for playoff newcomers this season. The standout Nikola Jokic would have another year under his belt. He would pair with the perpetually underrated forward Paul Millsap. And the Nuggets’ confusing backcourt situation would take shape.

Meh.

Denver is a more than respectable 6-5, good for eighth in the Western Conference. But so far they have failed the eye test.

Things do not look quite right. Jokic’s shooting is down, but his boards and points are up. Gary Harris and Jamal Murray are . . . OK.

There is nothing wrong. But it is not quite right yet either.

Their six wins are against the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets (twice), Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat. Not totally inspiring.

The Magic do not want to join that list, and they should not have to. To stay in the upper tier in the conference, this is the kind of team the Magic have to step over.

It is worth bearing in mind this game will be the backside of a back-to-back, while the Nuggets will be fresh. Having said that, the Magic are 2-0 in the second parts of back-to-backs this year.