Eastern Conference Standings Check: Orlando Magic trying to stay in striking distance

Thanksgiving Eastern Conference standings check

Tier 5: The Bottom

13. Orlando Magic (5-13)

You can clearly see how big of a drop-off there is between the Miami Heat and the contenders for the Play-In Tournament and the teams at the bottom of the standings currently led by the Orlando Magic. These three teams at the bottom are clearly working through some serious flaws and probably not ready for contention unless they really catch fire.

The Magic expected to be here, unfortunately. While they are really optimistic about the talent they have on the roster, they knew there would be growing pains in the process. A 3-9 showing in clutch situations is plenty of growing pains.

The injuries were not. At least not to this extent. The Magic hoped to have a few more healthy bodies.

That is at the heart of everything the Magic are struggling with right now. It has kept the team from establishing its identity or even getting consistent work in as they aim to improve. The Magic have been trudging through a manageable part of the schedule with these injuries. They will be getting healthy just as their biggest test begins.

14. Charlotte Hornets (5-14)

Season Series vs. Magic: Magic 113, Hornets 93 in Orlando on Oct. 28; Hornets 112, Magic 105 in Orlando on Nov. 14; Feb. 5 in Orlando; March 3 in Charlotte

The Charlotte Hornets are also where they are in part because of injury. Losing LaMelo Ball to start the season put them in a pretty deep hole. But they still have some veteran talent that should make people believe they can right the ship. It still seems like it will be tough for them to climb all the way.

The Hornets are starting to climb the rankings defensively as you would expect from a Steve Clifford-led team. But the Hornets have taken another trait of Clifford’s teams: their offense has really struggled.

Charlotte has a lot of work ahead of them. They are the team at the bottom with the most playoff experience. But they are also struggling the most of these teams that are typically expecting growth.

15. Detroit Pistons (5-15)

Season Series vs. Magic: Pistons 113, Magic 109 in Detroit on Oct. 19; Dec. 28 in Detroit; Feb. 23 in Orlando; April 2 in Orlando

The Detroit Pistons made a bit of an all-in move to acquire Bojan Bogdanovic. That trade was designed to help a young roster take a step forward. And Bogdanovic has been good for this young team.

The reality has been much different.

The Pistons are still very young and learning how to play consistently. They lack consistency defensively or on the inside. And they too have suffered a major injury.

The Pistons’ fall has really fallen after Cade Cunningham’s injury. That has helped push Jaden Ivey forward more. But despite some gaudy stats, he still looks and feels like a rookie. They have just now gotten their footing without Cunningham.

But these teams are not ones that can survive being down key players. The Magic and Pistons both are without them right now. So it is hard to judge these young teams or which one is further along in their progression.