Orlando Magic heading West as tough road begins

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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Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic, Zaza Pachulia, Golden State Warriors
OAKLAND, CA – MARCH 16: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic passes the ball during a game against the Golden State Warriors on March 16, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Nov. 13: @ Golden State Warriors

Ah, the top of the pile.

The Golden State Warriors are the Golden State Warriors, only so much can be said.

Kevin Durant is missing at least one game due to a thigh contusion. They have lost a couple of head-scratchers here and there (there are those Detroit Pistons  again), have got themselves into a few holes to dig out of.

But they are 9-3, and still the shining beacon of what winning looks like.

The Magic have given the Warriors as good a competition in the regular season as any other team in the last few years. They have needed overtimes, a Stephen Curry buzzer beater and more to put the Magic away.

And that was when things were ugly. Does that mean Orlando can now go the extra inch and steal a win?

Do not hold your breath.

Either way, the Magic will see where they stand against a title-contending team who is playing really well at the moment. The Magic will find their offense and defense tested in an extreme way.