The Orlando Magic have been a tale of two teams this season. The Magic began their 2020-2021 season with a 4-0 start, including a huge opening-day win over the Miami Heat. Since this red-hot start, the Magic have lost seven of their last ten games, with their few wins against the Cavaliers and Timberwolves. Orlando has had some breaks with injuries, too, none bigger than Markelle Fultz’s ACL tear. Fultz will now join Jonathan Isaac on injured reserve for the foreseeable future. The Magic are also dealing with injuries to Evan Fournier (back spasms), Michael Carter-Williams (foot), and Chuma Okeke (knee). Only four of Orlando’s players have appeared in every game this season, as Nikola Vucevic, Dwayne Bacon, Cole Anthony, and Khem Birch haven’t been hit with the injury bug yet. Besides this, the Magic have already had plenty of key takeaways this season, both good and bad.
1. Nikola Vucevic has cemented his case as a Top-Three Center in the NBA
Although Vucevic has never been a Top-Three Center in his decorated career, his 2020-2021 stats have said otherwise. Besides starting in all of the Magic’s games this season, Vucevic has averaged 23.3 PPG (22nd in the NBA), 10.8 RPG (10th in the NBA), and 3.5 APG (3rd among Centers). Vucevic’s shooting numbers have been on point as well, shooting 50% from the field, 42% from downtown, and 78% from the free-throw line. Vucevic has the fourth most Double-Doubles this season as well, with ten total. Vucevic has been outstanding on both sides of the floor, too, with a 105.4 Offensive Rating and a 112.4 Defensive Rating. The former All-Star even became the Magic’s franchise all-time leader in field goals made this season, passing Nick Anderson. If Vucevic keeps up his incredible production, it would be hard to keep Vucevic out of the “Top NBA Centers” discussion.
2. The Magic have got great offensive play from Terrence Ross
Entering the season, who would’ve thought the 29-year-old Veteran would be ranked second in the NBA in bench points. Through his first seven games, Ross was averaging 20.7 PPG on 49% field-goal percentage and 46% from the three-point line. In his last five games, however, Ross has averaged just 10.9 PPG on 31% Field-Goal percentage and 15% from the three-point line. With the Magic dealing with injuries to Fournier, Okeke, Fultz, and Carter-Williams, opponents can concentrate on him even more, making it difficult for Ross to stay balanced when he flies around a screen. When Vucevuic and Ross need to run the offense without many key players, the offense has certainly been inconsistent at best. The good news is that Fournier, Okeke, and Carter Williams are all day-to-day with their injuries, so Orlando’s offense will be immediately better after they come back.
3. The Magic have seen the good and bad versions of Cole Anthony this season
In most cases, when an NBA player is struggling, the blame will usually fall on that player. This isn’t the case with Anthony, however. Just five weeks ago, Anthony was drafted. Now, without a summer league or full training camp before the season, thrusting the 20-year old into the starting lineup has yielded inconsistent results. Through 15 games, Anthony has averaged 10.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 3.3 APG. Anthony is shooting 33% from the field and 26% from three-point range. Yes, Anthony has struggled with shooting the ball, but his ability to get to the paint with his passing skills has led him to score in double figures seven times already this year. Anthony even had the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer vs the Timberwolves. Anthony needs to stay poised through these growing pains. The hope is that this will elevate his play once he gets more comfortable.
4. The Magic need another Offensive Superstar to pair with Vucevic and Isaac
Just like years prior, the Magic’s offense has struggled, while their defense has been solid. Offensively, the Magic rank below average in points per game (106.1, 27th in NBA), Pace (100.2, 19th in the NBA), and Offensive Rating (105.9, 26th in the NBA). It’s been a strong showing for the Magic defensively, however, as the Magic rank above average in Opponent’s points per game (110.3, 13th in the NBA), and Defensive Rating (110.1, 14th in the NBA). Outside of Vucevic, the Magic don’t have much offensive firepower. The Magic aren’t a free-agent destination, so trying to trade for someone would be the way to go. One name to keep an eye on for the Magic is Kyrie Irving. If Brooklyn’s selling low on Irving, Orlando should make their move on Irving. In just eight games this season, Irving is averaging 28.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 5.8 APG this season.
5. The upcoming schedule looks amazing for Orlando
Although the Magic have lost five of their last seven games, their upcoming schedule gives the team a chance to erase that long losing streak. Through the Magic’s next ten games, Orlando’s hardest opponents will be against the Boston Celtics in a two-game series, and one game matchups against the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers. The other six games they have are against the likes of the Knicks, Timberwolves, Pacers, Hornets, and Kings. Even after a brutal opening to their season, the Magic are tenth in the Eastern Conference and second in the Southeast division. If Orlando secures six to seven wins in this ten-game window, the Magic will be able to expand their lead over the Hornets and the Heat in the Southeast division while moving up in the Eastern Conference standings. If the Magic want to secure a playoff spot, the time is now.