3 Orlando Magic players who will decide the season

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 13: Referee Karl Lane #77 talks with head coach Jamahl Mosley against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on February 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3 Orlando Magic players who will decide the season

2. Head coach Jamahl Mosley

Head coach Jamahl Mosley has to make this list, because as he goes, so does this roster. After a terrible 5-20 start to the season, some began to question if he was the right man for the job.

But Mosley stuck with his beliefs and his vision, and it has started to pay dividends. The biggest criticism of him at this point in the season is some of his baffling in-game decisions.

Whether it is staying with a lineup too long, or not long enough, and putting the ball in the hands of the wrong player late in games, Mosley is still figuring it out.

This group has never been in this position before, where winning would be welcomed. It will be interesting to see how he adapts, and who he trusts to close out games.

It seems likely that coach Mosley was experimenting with lineups and schemes earlier in the season, even if it meant losing games. That will be harder to stomach if the Play-In is within reach.

With the team having a mostly full bill of health, coach Mosley has had the same starting five of Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter begin the last three games.

Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Moe Wagner and Bol Bol round out the key bench players, with Jonathan Isaac helping when he can and Caleb Houstan and Admiral Schofield sprinkled in occasionally.

This is his group to close out the regular season, and playing to their strengths will be key. He has already figured out a defensive way of playing that works, which is an encouraging sign.