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5 stretches that will define the Orlando Magic’s season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Khem Birch #24 and Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic box out Boban Marjanovic #51 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of the NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Khem Birch #24 and Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic box out Boban Marjanovic #51 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of the NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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Khem Birch, Orlando Magic, Boban Marjanovic, LA Clippers
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 10: Khem Birch #24 and Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic box out Boban Marjanovic #51 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of the NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

The Orlando Magic’s schedule is out and comes with it a quick examination of where the trouble spots might be. These five stretches could define the year.

There is not much difference between schedules for NBA teams. The formula for everyone is the same — two games against every team in the opposite conference, at least three times against every team within the same conference and four times against division teams and a few others in the other intra-conference divisions.

There are obviously some areas of deviation. But the schedule in the NBA is about as balanced as you can have it. There are not any clear-cut advantages or disadvantages in the league.

And while the top of the league is fairly predictable, there are always surprises and disappointments up and down the schedule. It is impossible to say today who the best teams will be.

For the record this year, the Orlando Magic will play the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks just three times this year. With the Bucks and Celtics figuring to play into the Eastern Conference Playoff race, that might be fortunate for the team if they want to make a sneaky run.

But where the schedule differentiates itself is in how those games are strung together. And, more importantly, how a team weathers the ups and downs of the year and finds wins where they can to regain their rhythm.

That was something the Magic struggled with a lot last year. After their fast start, they lost nine straight to put those warm feelings away. Then they lost another nine in a row a few weeks later to put to rest any thoughts of making a Playoff run.

Injuries were a big reason for that, but the NBA schedule is never relenting. It cannot be used as an excuse.

There are the usual times of the year that will help define things for each team — long road trips. And surviving the tough parts of every schedule is the most difficult thing for a team to do. Especially a young one like the Magic.

Orlando is not a team that can pick out where in the schedule there is a soft spot. They are a team still looking to make their way. But there are still a lot of moments we can point to at this stage and say, these moments could help determine the team’s direction.