Key Questions Loom for Orlando Magic Ahead of the 2025 Postseason
The Orlando Magic are stepping into the final week of the season with a firm grip on the Southeast Division lead and a clear path to potentially securing the 7th seed in the playoffs. This week is crucial, with a lot at stake.
Last year, the Magic were in a really exciting spot, holding the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference and needing just one more win to secure a playoff berth as they reached the final week of the season. Everyone was feeling confident, even with the tough three-game road trip ahead. They were so close to locking in their playoff position, and the energy was palpable.
However, a surprising three-game losing streak turned everything upside down. The Magic faced a must-win situation on the last day of the regular season against the Milwaukee Bucks. It was a significant moment for this young team, eager to make their playoff debut. Though they stumbled through that challenge, they ultimately managed to pass the test, an experience that would stay with them.
Having learned from their past, the Magic, filled with determination, focused on their goal of making a playoff return. They finished strong, going 12-6 in their last 18 games, and a critical matchup against the Atlanta Hawks helped them clinch the Southeast Division title. They secured the 7th seed with a home victory over a depleted Boston Celtics team, rendering the final two games meaningless.
Orlando Magic Team
Even though the Magic have made some progress, they’re still a young team facing the challenges that come with trying to compete for a championship. As they head into the offseason, there’s definitely room for growth both in their gameplay and in how the front office operates.
Reaching the postseason is a milestone, but it’s worth saying that the Play-In Tournament isn’t the same as having a solid playoff spot. The Magic still need to put in some work to guarantee their place in the playoffs. The season hasn’t gone as they hoped, but the team has managed to adapt and make the best of things. Winning the division and ensuring a home game in the Play-In Tournament is a great achievement for them.
As they head into the postseason, the team’s performance will be under scrutiny. This is their chance to evaluate their strengths and determine what they need moving forward, especially concerning their younger players.
One of the pressing questions lingering over the Magic is about their offensive performance. Heading into the playoffs, it’s widely recognized that the Magic have struggled offensively, finishing the year with the league’s worst three-point shooting percentage at just 31.8%. This narrative has become ingrained among national analysts discussing the team—will Orlando be able to score enough?
That’s a valid concern, and while the Magic have had their fair share of off nights where scoring becomes a challenge, it’s not the entire story. Over the last month, specifically during their solid 12-6 finish, their offense has taken a step towards being more average in terms of production. With a formidable defense backing them up, achieving even an average offensive performance could be enough to carry them through.
Starting March 7, the Magic had an offensive rating of 113.6, which ranked them 22nd in the league. While that’s not exactly impressive, it’s better than being at the bottom. What stands out is how well their starting lineup has performed, especially when Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner are on the court. Their presence helps increase efficiency and adds a nice boost to the team’s scoring.
Additionally, during this stretch, their shooting percentage improved to 35.2%. While they still have a long way to go in terms of offensive consistency, the shift towards slightly below average could radically change the team’s playoff outlook.
While these trends are derived from smaller sample sizes, they highlight the need for the Magic to continue seeking ways to bolster their offense in the offseason. However, they’re no longer seen as an offensive liability. If the Magic can maintain just reasonable offensive output, their strong defense could take them a long way, potentially far enough to make an impact in the Play-In Tournament.
