Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Eastern Conference Standings Check: Orlando Magic are in the race

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Paolo Banchero is already establishing himself as one of the best young players in the league as the Orlando Magic climbed into the postseason chase. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Paolo Banchero is already establishing himself as one of the best young players in the league as the Orlando Magic climbed into the postseason chase. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next
Bol Bol, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks
Bol Bol entered the season with few expectations. But he has quickly become a key rotation player for the Orlando Magic. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Christmas Day Eastern Conference Standings Check

Tier 3: Interesting Stories

6. New York Knicks (18-16)

Season Series vs. Magic: Knicks 115, Magic 102 in New York City on Oct. 24; Feb. 7 in Orlando; March 23 in Orlando

There is obviously a big drop off from the top five in the Eastern Conference to the next group of teams. Everyone from six on down seems to be hovering around .500 and this is likely where the bulk of the playoff race — at least what the Orlando Magic are paying attention to — will take place.

At this point, it is safe to say that .500 will probably earn a team a 6-seed or a Play-In sport. Teams will not be able to be much far below .500 to reach the postseason.

This is where the Knicks are sitting comfortably.

New York has found its groove defensively as all Tom Thibodeau teams do. The Knicks rank ninth in the league in defensive rating. Thhat is not the surprising part.

The surprising part instead is that Thibodeau is embracing the Knicks’ youth.

He has leaned more on young players like Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley over veterans Evan Fournier and Derrick Rose. That move has proven to be the right one as they have delivered defensively, helping boost the team led by Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett.

The Knicks figure to be a .500 team overall. But that is enough to get them back into the postseason and maybe planning more for their future again.

7. Atlanta Hawks (17-16)

Season Series vs. Magic: Hawks 108, Magic 98 in Atlanta on Oct. 21; Hawks 125, Magic 108 in Orlando on Nov. 30; Magic 135, Hawks 124 in Orlando on Dec. 14; Hawks 126, Magic 125 in Atlanta on Dec. 19

The Atlanta Hawks are seemingly always on the precipice of disarray. There are already reports that Trae Young could be the next disgruntled star to ask his way out if things do not change. The sharks are already circling.

And that does not even get into thhe continued rumors that Atlanta could be the big player at this year’s trade deadline with John Collins as the big prize on the move.

The Hawks are still a potent team. Young still puts up cazy scoring numbers — even with his poor 3-point shooting at a career-worst 31.1 percent. Dejounte Murray is a mid-range dynamo who is also passing the ball (along with Young) at insane rates. And they can pick and roll teams to death with Clint Capela creating space for all of them with his screening.

Atlanta has solid role players too. This should be a playoff team and there is likely a run coming for Atlanta. Their biggest problems seem to be those off-court and chhemistry issues. And that does not seem like an easy thhing Atlanta will resolve any time soon.

8. Indiana Pacers (17-16)

Season Series vs. Magic: Pacers 114, Magic 113 in Indianapolis on Nov. 19; Pacers 123, Magic 102 in Indianapolis on Nov. 21; Jan. 25 in Orlando; Feb. 25 in Orlando

The Indiana Pacers have started to cool off after their hot start. The Pacers had lost eight of 11 before winning their last two entering the holiday. The Pacers needed that to stop the bleeding some and get back on track.

Only time will tell whehter Indiana will be able to maintain this pace. But any thought that this team would be playing for ping pong balls has been put to rest. The team is reportedly engaging in extension negotiations with Myles Turner seemingly takng him off the board for potential trades as was anticipated offseason.

The big change for the Pacers has been Tyrese Haliburton. He is still playing at an All-Star level and should get his first nod when the game arrives in Salt Lake City in February.