Why The Orlando Magic Can Make A Solid Playoff Run
It is playoff time in the NBA, & these past few years we’ve seen some really competitive series. We’ve also seen some franchises win their first championships recently, with the Milwaukee Bucks getting the trophy in 2021, & then the Denver Nuggets in 2023. Last year, we also saw a play-in team fight its way into the NBA Finals. So, it’s pretty safe to say NBA playoffs are becoming a bit unpredictable.
This year we have some great matchups in the 1st round, and this year the Orlando Magic are making their return to postseason basketball. The Magic are back from being 4 years removed from the playoffs, as they finished with a 47-35 record, and because of that their head coach Jamahl Mosley, is up for coach of the year.
Why The Orlando Magic Can Make A Solid Playoff Run
The Magic finished as the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference, and they will face a team they beat just about a week ago, in the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s looking to be an epic 1st round match, as both teams even their season series at 2-2. Here’s how the Magic can score their 1st playoff series in a long time.
- Paolo Banchero. He’s coming off of a recent all-star selection and has made a huge impact on the team in just his second year with the squad. With his size & frame, and his excellent ball handle, Paolo can blow past defenders & create some great offensive opportunities for the Magic. This will be his moment.
- Donovan Mitchell’s health. We know he missed out on some games late in the season, the question is can he stay healthy & is he really 100%?
- Mo Wagner & the supporting Magic cast. Wagner is a great spark off the bench, with his hard-nosed defense & athleticism can really disrupt the things that Cleveland likes to do on offense.
- The spread. Right now, the Cleveland Cavs are -4.5 for game 1. For the season, the Cavs record against the spread is 39-43, while the Magic are 51-31 against the spread on the season.
These are a few things to remember while preparing for the series to kick off on Saturday at 1 pm. My prediction is the series will go 7 games & I predict the Magic will advance into the second round.
5 NBA Teams to Watch Right Now
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are solid this year, but they aren’t one of the best of the best. That said, there’s lots of potential here. Watch these guys closely. It’s so fun to watch Tyrese Maxey, who is a total superstar. He’s been averaging an upwards of 28 points per game lately.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves had a big loss to the Bucks following the break, but then, they came back and definitively beat the Nets. The Wolves have been experiencing a few offensive hiccups, but they’re still one of the strongest teams in the league.
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder crew is on fire. Coming back from break, they totally blew out the Clippers, Wizards and Rockets. Chet Holmgren is a star here, averaging around 24 points a game.
(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
2. Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are another team that came out of break with fire. These guys have been on a winning streak since the break ended. Nikola Jokic has been especially strong since break, averaging around 27 points per game.
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
1. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are really the strongest team in the NBA right now. They’re on a winning streak, which is nothing new for them. They have not one but a group of star players in Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White. It’s hard to see any team topping them.
(Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
