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Orlando Magic need A 48-minute effort against New Orleans Pelicans

By Omar Cabrera

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 11: Wes Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic moves the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 11: Wes Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic moves the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, 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. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic’s final seeding round game is a chance to be ready for the Milwaukee Bucks. They have to be ready for playoff intensity.

Going into the bubble, most believed the Orlando Magic were going to earn the seventh seed for the playoffs.

But no one expected the number of injuries they were going to endure. First Jonathan Isaac went down with a torn ACL in the second game. Then Michael Carter-Williams injured his foot. Aaron Gordon got hit in the air during the loss to the Toronto Raptors and strained his Achilles. Evan Fournier got sick. And now Terrence Ross is in quarantine after having to leave the campus.

It is hard to argue Orlando underachieved with the number of guys that were missing games. After clinching their playoff spot, the Magic put health ahead of everything else, even chasing that 7-seed. Coach Steve Clifford said the team has no chance of winning without health.

But the Orlando Magic still have to be ready for the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. And they had the Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans to do so.

However, in a 108-96 loss to the Nets, the Magic played with no energy and intensity. Orlando lost this game because Brooklyn wanted it more. The Magic allowed the Nets to build a 17-point lead at the half, and the hole was too deep for the depleted Magic roster to come back from.

Clifford said the Magic were not ready to play in the first half and there is no excuse for it. The only thing the team got out of the game was conditioning. He said the team cannot afford to waste days ahead of the playoffs. Tuesday was a wasted day then.

At least the Magic played better in the second half. Enough to break even. But there were still players who need to round into form for the playoffs that did not get closer after that game.

Orlando can not play that way against New Orleans in the final seeding game. Although there are players that are going to be out — Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, Michael Carter-Williams and Terrence Ross have all been ruled out — there are still players that will be playing and will play during the playoffs. They need the time to get ready and get better.

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Even if Orlando puts out the same roster — Nikola Vucevic, James Ennis, Wesley Iwundu, D.J. Augustin and Markelle Fultz will all be playing against the Bucks once the playoffs begin. They all have to be prepared for this tough matchup.

This is the last chance for the Magic to look ready for the Playoffs.

As Clifford said, the Magic’s goal is to get better every day. This is a chance to get better in a game setting before the postseason begins.

This will also be a chance for Clifford to test out and use his more normal playing groups.

Everyone anticipates Fultz will return to the starting lineup soon. Clifford said the team has a plan for his return to the lineup, and they will continue to follow that plan.

Fultz’s stat line certainly looks like he is ready. He has been getting himself into a rhythm in the last two games as he has averaged 17.0 points, 6.0 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game. It is going to be important that Fultz can get game reps in with the starters instead of the bench unit.

Winning or losing is not important in this game. What is important is building good habits and playing with intensity and focus.

The Pelicans are also going to be shorthanded. They will hold out Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Jrue Holiday since they have been eliminated from playoff contention. This is going to be a similar game as the Nets game, so this will be a chance for Magic’s key guys to come out and play hard and use these as real game reps.

All in all, Orlando has to play with playoff energy as they take on New Orleans. The team has to treat it as a playoff rehearsal.

dark. Next. Orlando Magic aim to finish strong with Bucks in mind

They have to be sharp and be ready for the Bucks. The playoffs are right around the corner, and they have to be ready for the level of intensity that the playoffs bring.