Orlando Magic Daily
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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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Evan Turner, Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic
PORTLAND, OR – JANUARY 13: Evan Turner #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball against the Orlando Magic on January 13, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Nov. 15: @ Portland Trail Blazers

Though the Portland Trail Blazers are definitely a step down from the Golden State Warriors (who isn’t?), their record is not representative of their play.

The Blazers currently stand at 6-5, like the Nuggets. But consider they lost by four points to the Milwaukee Bucks thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo and his 44 points, lost to the LA Clippers on a buzzer beater thanks to Blake Griffin, lost in overtime to the Utah Jazz and lost by one to the Memphis Grizzlies.

A couple of possessions roll differently and everybody would be talking about the Blazers. They have lost a lot of close games.

Portland is renowned for poor starts, yet the blistering Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum duo have managed to reverse this so far.

No doubt, the Magic have proven themselves against the Eastern Conference, but the Blazers are living proof every team is a test in the West, even one in sixth place.

The Magic have to aim for at least 2-2 on this road trip. To keep up their current momentum, they should be aiming to beat both the Nuggets and Suns, at least.

There is no shame in falling to the Warriors. And the Blazers are an interesting test of whether the Magic’s resurgence is due to their talent or their conference.

A 3-1 record would be very satisfying. A 2-2 record is the most realistic. Anything less is going to raise questions.

Next: Orlando Magic shining on defense, but see plenty to improve

There are three other Western road trips (three games or more played away to Western Conference teams without returning home) coming up in the season. The Magic would do well to start off well now.