NBA Power Rankings: Magic Moving Up After Win Streak?
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic are winners of three straight games after their homestand this past week.
Since the All-Star Break, the Magic are 6-1 as they climb in the Eastern Conference standings in hopes of avoiding the Play-In Tournament. They are also climbing in CBS Sports' power rankings, jumping up to No. 12 after being No. 15 last week.
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"Orlando took care of business against three inferior opponents this week, as Paolo Banchero averaged 29 points, nine rebounds and six assists on 63% shooting in wins over the Jazz and Pistons," CBS Sports writes. "The Magic have now exceeded last season's win total with 21 games remaining."
The Magic are in the thick of things in a five-team race between them and the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers. Just 2.5 games separate the No. 4 from the No. 8 seed, so this final month or so is crucial for playoff positioning.
The Magic are on the road this week against the Charlotte Hornets (Tue.), Washington Wizards (Wed.) and New York Knicks (Fri.) before coming back home to host the Pacers on Sunday at the Kia Center.
