Can Magic Win NBA Cup Group?
While the NBA schedule has yet to be released, the Orlando Magic's first big test of the season isn't hard to identify.
The In-Season Tournament begins Nov. 3 and runs through Dec. 9. Orlando is in Group C and will play the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls.
Each team plays four games, two at home and two on the road. The winner of groups A-C in the East and West, plus the top wild card in each conference advances to the Knockout Rounds, which are single-elimination.
The knockout rounds quarterfinal games begin Dec. 4-5, and the winners advance to the semifinals at a neutral site on Dec. 7. The championship game is played Dec. 9 in Las Vegas.
Outside of the championship game, each game counts toward a teams record.
Among Orlando's group, the Magic is the only team who didn't make the play-in or playoffs in 2023. Orlando went a combined 8-7 in 2023 against Boston (3-1), Toronto (2-2), Brooklyn (1-2) and Chicago (2-1).
The Magic were 20-21 at home and 14-27 on the road. Where Orlando plays which team could indicate the team's ceiling in the tournament given its home-road splits last season.
The Celtics likely pose the biggest test after coming within a game of the NBA Finals. Brooklyn is also capable of being a playoff team again and likely won't deal with the same drama compared to last season.
The Raptors and Bulls are in a middle ground between rebuilding and trying to be a playoff team.
For a young team looking to ascend, the In-Season Tournament could be the perfect benchmark for Orlando. If the Magic are going to make the jump next season, Toronto and Chicago are teams they should be able to handle. Boston and Brooklyn pose the biggest tests, but the Magic had success against both teams last season outside of a meeting against the Nets late last season with both team's playoff fate's already decided.
Anything can happen in a four-game stretch early in the season. An improved Orlando from last season is more than capable of winning its group.
If Orlando can go 3-1 or 4-0 and make it to the knockout round, that alone would give them momentum for the rest of the season. And a good showing can give a young Magic team the jump they need to start the season and prove they’re ready to take the next step.
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