NBA: Which teams will earn the final three playoff spots in the East?

Orlando Magic (27-32)

Current Standing: 10th

Remaining Schedule Strength: 28th 

Everything that we’ve come to know about the Orlando Magic over the last few years suggests that we shouldn’t believe that this team is equipped – or even has enough – to make a real push towards the playoffs, even if the weak Eastern Conference.

However, this Magic team might be different. Led by first-time all-star Nikola Vucevic, the Magic are only one game off the playoff pace and have one of the easiest schedules remaining in the NBA. In fact, the only team with an easier schedule to closer the season is the Raptors.

Even with all that understood, there’s just something about the Magic that makes me not want to believe in their recent run. Overall, heading into the NBA All-Star break, the Magic have won seven of their last eight and five-straight. If the Magic can carry their hot-streak into the final two months of the season, the Magic might make a return to the post-season.