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One week in the past, the Orlando Magic had a robust likelihood on the No. 2 seed within the East. After Wednesday’s loss, they could land within the play-in.
Orlando misplaced badly to a Milwaukee Bucks crew lacking Giannis Antetokounmpo Wednesday night time, 117-99. The loss dropped them to fifth place within the Jap Convention, with the identical document because the sixth-place Indiana Pacers and one recreation forward of the Philadelphia 76ers.
However the Magic nonetheless must play the Sixers on Friday and face the Bucks once more Sunday. If the Sixers beat them, they’re going to be within the driver’s seat to keep away from the play-in, because of a six-game profitable streak and the return of Joel Embiid. In the meantime the Magic may nonetheless fall previous the Miami Warmth and lose their Southeast Division title in the event that they drop each their remaining video games.
What occurred to the Magic? Their usually stellar protection has fallen off. They gave up 124 factors to the Charlotte Hornets, 118 factors to the Houston Rockets and 117 to the Bucks. Orlando merely would not have sufficient offensive firepower past Paolo Banchero to compete when it is not locking groups down.
There are a few constructive indicators for Orlando. Whereas the Magic have misplaced three of 4, and 6 of their final 10 video games, the Warmth have gained six of their final 10 video games, lacking a golden alternative. The Bucks may clinch the No. 2 seed earlier than Sunday, which might seemingly imply they’d relaxation their starters. Fourth-place Cleveland and sixth-place Indiana play Friday, and one in every of them has to lose.
But when the Magic lose to the 76ers, it is time to fear about making the playoffs in any respect. They may go from getting every week off earlier than internet hosting a first-round collection to combating for his or her playoff lives by Tuesday. After a resurgent season, it isn’t the way in which Orlando wished to return to the playoffs.
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