NBA Power Rankings: Lakers’ stock is falling; Suns are rising quickly in the West

Phoenix Suns Chris Paul and Devin Booker (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
Phoenix Suns Chris Paul and Devin Booker (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA
NBA Washington Wizards Bradley Beal (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

24. Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic is another Eastern Conference playoff team from a year ago that can’t seem to right the ship to start the season. While this team has battled injuries for much of the season, you can’t help but wonder if this is the offseason where we could see a major roster shake-up.

Orlando likely won’t make the playoffs this season in the East and while they have some young talented players on its roster, certainly have big questions they still need to answer before the start of next season.

23. Washington Wizards

Interestingly enough, the Washington Wizards are actually one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference at the moment. They’re 7-3 in their last 10 games and have picked up the intensity on the defensive side of the ball. In their last 10 games, the Wizards have the 10th best defense in the league.

That said, I’m still not sure the Wizards have enough to make a true playoff push during the second half of the season.