NBA Power Rankings: Lakers, Bucks dominating through the first quarter

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NBA Orlando Magic Jonathan Isaac (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

14. Orlando Magic (11-11)

Coming off a season in which they made a return to the playoffs, it was difficult to gauge what to expect from the Orlando Magic this season. Nevertheless, through the first quarter of the year, the Magic are pretty much where they should be. They’re 11-11 and sitting in the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

There is a true question if this team can remain this competitive throughout, even if you might’ve expected them to be a little better than they’ve been this season. Sooner or later, we’re going to find out who this team really is.

13. Brooklyn Nets (12-10)

After making the biggest splash of the offseason, in which the Brooklyn Nets landed both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the team has been somewhat of an underachiever this season. They’re only two games over .500 and are sitting in the seventh seed in the East.

Even without KD, many thought the Nets would be a little better this year. To make it all worse, the team seems to be better when Kyrie Irving isn’t in the lineup. That is not an ideal scenario for a team that has its future tied into him.