Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic find themselves in tightening Eastern Conference

By Philip Rossman-Reich

The Orlando Magic look to challenge themselves again facing the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic look to challenge themselves again facing the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Jonathan Isaac
ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic on January 19, 2019 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Contenders

Milwaukee Bucks (2019 Record: 60-22, 1st East)

The Milwaukee Bucks approached their offseason in much the same way the Orlando Magic did. They had a breakthrough season, led by NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, earning the top seed in the Eastern Conference and every title expectation they deserve.

They had their own free agents to handle and largely brought them all back, re-signing All-Star guard Khris Middleton and center Brook Lopez. The only major loss for Milwaukee was guard Malcolm Brogdon, a versatile fit next to Eric Bledsoe.

The team still has George Hill to help at point guard — and play off the ball — and added sharpshooter Kyle Korver to a team that was already an offensive juggernaut with solid 3-point shooting.

There is no reason to think the Bucks will not repeat their success from last year. They are clearly the favorites to win the Eastern Conference once again. And that should be nearly undisputed.

But they are not alone among the teams that can compete for an Eastern Conference crown.

Philadelphia 76ers (51-31, 3rd East)

The Philadelphia 76ers also should be back and ready to compete for a title after falling short last year — literally on the last shot of Game 7 to the eventual-champion Toronto Raptors.

The Sixers are still a young team but have faced their share of playoff disappointment. This does not feel like a do-or-die season, but the 76ers have to start delivering on some results. And they know it.

Philadelphia should have the talent to do so though. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid have built a solid foundation and plenty of expectation. The team retained Tobias Harris and added Al Horford and Josh Richardson. That should make this team a dangerous defensive team once again.

That was something Philadelphia lost last year for sure. But few teams will have the top-end talent this team has. Philadelphia is certainly among the best teams in the Eastern Conference and has championship aspirations.