Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic’s playoff hopes tied to besting Miami Heat

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Evan Fournier's upcoming free agency presents a dilemma for the Orlando Magic. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Evan Fournier's upcoming free agency presents a dilemma for the Orlando Magic. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Blake Griffin, Detroit Pistons, Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 16: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons drives the ball to the basket as Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic defends during the third quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on January 16, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Orlando 120-115. 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 Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Head-to-Head

The first tiebreaker in case there is a tie between two teams is head-to-head matchup. That is what made the last two games so vital for the Orlando Magic.

The Orlando Magic’s win over the Miami Heat ensured the team won the season series, giving them a vital advantage in the race for the final playoff spot (not to mention the Southeast Division, which we will get to in a moment).

The loss to the Detroit Pistons also had major consequences.

That loss gave Detroit the season series over Orlando. So the chances of the Magic surpassing the Pistons looks much bleaker. That win also gave Detroit a lot more control over the sixth spot in the East. The Pistons may have gotten away from the Magic because of that victory creating a nice cushion and that tiebreaker.

The Orlando Magic have only one more game left against their main competition — the final game against the Charlotte Hornets. Orlando would need that game to tie Charlotte in the season series and send it to the secondary tiebreaker (division record, then conference record).

But the Hornets, currently on a West Coast road trip, could be out of the running by that time. Take nothing for granted.

Orlando though only holds the tiebreaker over Miami among its competition. The Orlando Magic lost the season series to the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets. That may make it tough for them to overtake those teams. And certainly, on the last day of the season, it will serve as a disadvantage.

Holding at least that first tiebreaker over the Heat is an advantage with just that half-game separating the two teams. It is actually the trump card for any three-way ties that might occur.

Divisions seem pointless now, but it actually holds the greatest importance when it comes to splitting the teams for the playoffs.