Five issues the Orlando Magic need to fix

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic is seen during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 27, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Elfrid Payton /

After losing 13 of their past15 game, the Orlando Magic need to get out of this rut. Here are five things they can do to get there and back into the Playoff race.

The Orlando Magic have fallen back to Earth. After a scorching hot start that saw the team sitting atop the Eastern Conference at 8-4, they are yet again staring at another trip to the lottery.

The injury bug has now hit and even with the schedule lightening up, climbing back into the playoff race will be a tall task. Aaron Gordon, undergoing the concussion protocol, and Evan Fournier, with a sprained ankle, should miss a few more games. Jonathan Isaac is still on the shelf too with his own sprained ankle for nearly a month now.

With pressure mounting, Orlando needs to try to stay afloat with most of the offensive production on the mend. Nikola Vucevic and Elfrid Payton need to try and carry the Magic for a week or so before the rest of the starters can get back on the floor.

Injuries aside, there are still plenty of issues the Magic face.

Defensively, Orlando ranks among the worst in the league. Despite having a few strong wing defenders, teams have had no problem scoring. Rebounding is also an issue, teams attack Orlando on the offensive glass and manage a ton of second-chance points.

Overall, the starters have done a good job this season. They are consistently competitive.

Sadly, the same cannot be said for Orlando’s bench. Orlando’s bench unit has the third worst offensive rating in the NBA (98.1) and is outscored in nearly every contest. Even when the starters build up a lead, its almost a certainty the bench will make it disappear. The injuries stretching the bench thin has played a role for sure.

The Magic’s margin of error has shrunk considerably.

As the season continues to roll on, the Orlando Magic need to give Aaron Gordon the keys. Up to this point, he is the third option on the team, behind both Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier.

Gordon has improved in almost every aspect of his offensive game. Even if Orlando falls further out of the race, giving Gordon more opportunities could lead to greater things in the near future.