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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) /
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D.J. Augustin, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 09: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic drives around Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 09, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The Lay of the Land

The Orlando Magic firmly find themselves in the playoff conversation. There are a few scenarios where this is not the case.

If the team takes a slight step back from last year, the team should still be on the fringes of the playoff race. It would take some major regression or massive injuries for the Magic to fall completely out of the playoff picture.

Not that it is not possible. This team is two years removed from a 25-win season. And the Magic are still seeking for a clearer path to the next level of play. This is the bigger question for Orlando: How does the team get to that next level?

This season will help answer that question some. Even if the Magic end up back in the same spot as a seventh or eighth seed. The goal for the Magic might very well be to play more consistently throughout the season — rather than rely on a mad dash to the postseason — and make the playoffs with a bit more comfort.

But looking at the Eastern Conference landscape, as changed as it is, a few things become clear.

The Magic are a playoff team and should understand that they can make the playoffs this year. Even with all the changes at the top, Orlando is likely in the group fighting for those last seeds. And a confirmation of last year’s run is not a bad thing necessarily.

But it is also clear there are teams on the rise. And a path for the Magic to get into that upper tier is a bit more fraught and uncertain. The Magic should feel the pressure that those teams at the top are getting better . . . and those teams at the bottom are poised to jump up.

Next. Do the Orlando Magic have too many 3-and-D wings?. dark

Orlando is still in a precarious spot. But the Magic should feel like they can hold their spot and that will help them find their path forward.