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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Surprises, what lasts and what’s next

By Philip Rossman-Reich

The Orlando Magic's Evan Fournier (10) yells as he is fouled by the New York Knicks' Doug McDermott, left, at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic's Evan Fournier (10) yells as he is fouled by the New York Knicks' Doug McDermott, left, at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /
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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics
ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 7: Elfrid Payton #4 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on December 7, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida Or. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What is the big question you have left for this Orlando Magic team that they can answer on the West Coast trip?

Scricca: Can they keep up their energy over the course of a full season? They play the Golden State Warriors in Oracle Arena the third night of the trip. Both teams will have had a full day of rest, but the Orlando Magic will have just played against the fast-paced, motion-heavy Denver Nuggets offense at high altitude. It will be telling to see how the Magic respond to those conditions against such an imposing adversary.

Holmes: I think re-integrating Elfrid Payton during the West Coast trip will be a big factor. Having gotten off to the hot start without him, I wondered how things might change in terms of spacing and shooting. But he showed vs. the New York Knicks how integral he can and will be for this team. Getting both first and second units familiar with rotations and their roles will be big during the next five games. But the big lesson could come on the other side of the trip. If Orlando returns with a losing record or a losing streak, how they handle that will tell us most about the 2018 team.

Treadway: We have seen this team will play with energy and intensity every night, I think the biggest question still left is, can they tighten up defensively for entire multiple games? And how will they handle adversity?

Chen: I am looking forward to seeing whether Elfrid Payton will come out with a lot of pent-up energy after being out for most of the Orlando Magic’s nice start to the season. He has probably heard some people say the Magic might be better with D.J. Augustin running the show and he will want to prove those people wrong. The first game against the Phoenix Suns is very important because going to Denver in the second game of a back-to-back is difficult. And the game against the Golden State Warriors will be tough for obvious reasons. Splitting the four games (by winning against the Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers) will keep the good vibes alive from the surprising start to the season.

Rossman-Reich: The Orlando Magic have performed really well on the road so far this season. They have gutted out some tough wins away from the Amway Center. I want to see that continue as they head out West — and into this road-heavy stretch. These next two weeks are going to test the Magic’s togetherness and cohesion. That chemistry they have built throughout the last few months faces a big test. I want to see how the Magic measure up and how they respond to adversity. So far, they have done pretty good — fighting off the injuries and getting some nice wins when they are not at their best. But this is going to be a tiring stretch of games. A stretch that likely determines where the Magic stand for the rest of the year.

Next: OMD Mailbag: Fast Starts and Road Trips

Be sure to leave your answers in the comment section below. Let us know what you think about the Orlando Magic’s hot start and what concerns you as the team begins this West Coast swing. You can always contact and discuss the Magic with us on Twitter @omagicdaily!