The Orlando Magic Begin the Week 4-0 for the First Time Ever!
The Orlando Magic have played through the first week and one game and stand as the Beast of the NBA’s Eastern Conference. The team’s hot start at 4-0 should be taken with caution. Although the start is great and far off of my 2-2 or 1-3 prediction, let’s not start rethinking expectations just yet.
Reasons for Orlando Magic Fans to Pump the Brakes
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate the Magic as contenders. They rank 16th in the league in points per game allowed. I’m sure it is just getting back into the swing of things and the 111.8 points allowed will dramatically drop in the next couple of weeks.
It could be an anomaly since the team is only allowing opponents to shoot 49.2-percent per game. So 28th out of 30 teams isn’t too bad. Guards in particular have feasted on the Magic. Markelle has either been ineffective defensively or just hasn’t put forth enough effort. Evan Fournier is another story. He is just incapable of guarding anyone who has any quickness.
The Magic have let opposing guards feast on them. It’s one thing for Bradley Beal to take you to school. However, Raul Neto had 22 points against them and is averaging 16.5 points in two games against the vaunted Orlando Magic. This is a guy who averages 4.9 points throughout his career.
Happy Orlando Magic Thoughts
Orlando has had offensive contributions from many sources. Terrence Ross is leading the team in scoring while still coming off of the bench. With 21 points per game, Ross carried the team in its two games against Washington.
Nikola Vucevic is once again playing like an All-Star and averaging a double-double. Although he will never be confused as a defensive stalworth, he has tried to shut down perimeter penetration. He just hasn’t been great at it. Despite this, he is a stabilizing force on offense and on the boards.
Even though he has been torched on defense, Markelle Fultz is living up to his new contract extension. He is averaging 18.3 points per game and leads the team in assists. At times it looks like he can bully his way into the paint whenever he wants to.
The Magic Road Ahead
The Magic has a tough back-to-back with Philly after the win against the Thunder. After this, the schedule for the week lightens up with home games against the Thunder and a home mini-series with Cleveland. If the Magic can emerge from this with only two losses, perhaps we can then start to recalculate expectations. Let’s just try to get through the first few weeks before planning the parade.
