Orlando Magic Daily
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5 reasons the Orlando Magic will surprise in 2019

By Ryan Doyle

(Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 14: Paul Millsap #4, Isaiah Thomas #4, DeMar DeRozan #10, Al Horford #15, Kyle Lowry #7, Andre Drummond #0, Pau Gasol #16, LeBron James #23, Carmelo Anthony #7 Dwyane Wade #3, Chris Bosh #1, Paul George #13, John Wall #2, Jimmy Butler of the East All-Stars pose for a portrait as part of NBA All-Star 2016 on February 14, 2016 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 14: Paul Millsap #4, Isaiah Thomas #4, DeMar DeRozan #10, Al Horford #15, Kyle Lowry #7, Andre Drummond #0, Pau Gasol #16, LeBron James #23, Carmelo Anthony #7 Dwyane Wade #3, Chris Bosh #1, Paul George #13, John Wall #2, Jimmy Butler of the East All-Stars pose for a portrait as part of NBA All-Star 2016 on February 14, 2016 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

A weak Eastern Conference

Although the Orlando Magic may not look like a playoff contender on paper, the same can be said for most of the Eastern Conference.

With LeBron James headed to the West Coast and a few teams entering rebuilds, the East is a mess. Aside from a few top teams, the last four playoff spots are up for grabs.

Look at the photo above of the 2016 All-Stars. Only five of those players remain in the Eastern Conference — and one is nearing the end of his career and no longer plays at an All-Star level. There is a bit of a talent dearth and a chance to get hot and make a run.

While Orlando would have to scratch and claw to sneak into one of the final spots, they do face a road that is easier than most seasons.

Take a look at the Southeast Division. Aside from the Washington Wizards, who face issues of their own, Orlando can compete with the remaining teams. The Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks are all teams the Orlando Magic should feel it can beat.

If a few teams fall out of the race and decide to ship off assets near the deadline and the Magic find themselves in the mix, it could open the door Orlando.