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5 non-Orlando Magic storylines to watch during the 2023 season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Wendell Carter has established himself as a consistent force for an Orlando Magic team finding its identity. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Wendell Carter has established himself as a consistent force for an Orlando Magic team finding its identity. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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R.J. Hampton, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Kristaps Porzingis
R.J. Hamtpon has the potential to be a great passer and playmaker. But his decisionmaking often leaves a lot to be desired. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

5 non-Orlando Magic storylines to watch

The Last Play-In Spot

The most optimistic of Orlando Magic fans would say this team should be in the Play-In Tournament. In fact, the Magic probably deep in their hearts believe they have the talent to make the Playoffs and play postseason basketball.

The Play-In Tournament should not be some pie-in-the-sky dream. It should be something the team feels it can achieve if things go right for them. The reality is that injuries and inexperience will likely make that task hard for this group. It is not that it is impossible.

Looking at the Eastern Conference landscape does provide at least a path to the Play-In Tournament. But the reality may be that all these teams are fighting for one spot. That makes it a fairly narrow one unless someone makes a surprising leap.

It feels pretty safe to say that the Eastern Conference contenders are the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat. The Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers all feel like solid playoff teams. The Chicago Bulls were the 6-seed last year and could claim injuries prevented them from doing more. They should be in this group too.

Maybe there can be some disagreement with where those teams fit in and what order they finish in. But that is nine teams already that should feel like they are playoff teams. That leaves everyone else fighting for the last spot.

The question is who will be the team that takes it?

Will it be the Washington Wizards with its veteran, but often-injured, star pairing of Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzinigs? Can defensive whizzes Tom Thibodeau and Steve Clifford will the New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets into contention? Will the Indiana Pacers stay together long enough to make their own run? Can a young team like the Detroit Pistons or the Orlando Magic take the leap?

It is easy to see things going wrong for each of these teams. It is easy to see things going right for some of these teams. And it should make for a good race for someone to get something resembling playoff experience.

That is the beauty of the Play-In Tournament. Even a team like the Magic can have these dreams. And even a Play-In race and goal would be great for this young franchise.

It is never too early to think about the standings.