NBA Power Rankings: Magic Injuries Holding Orlando Back?

The Orlando Magic is 1-3 in its last four games this week. Does that affect its position in the power rankings?

Jeremy Brener | Nov 21, 2022

NBA Power Rankings: Magic Injuries Holding Orlando Back? /

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is in limbo with so many key players injured on the sidelines.

Despite the pile-up of injuries, the Magic has found a way to remain competitive in games. It doesn't always lead to wins, but Friday night's effort led to a one-point win against the Chicago Bulls, while Saturday ended in a one-point loss to the Indiana Pacers.

The up-and-down path forged by the Magic has kept them at the No. 26 spot in this week's power rankings from Sports Illustrated.

"The Magic have been largely competitive despite their injuries," SI writes. "Just last week, they beat the Bulls to spoil DeMar DeRozan’s 41-point outing. But with Paolo Banchero sidelined, Orlando lost to the Hornets, Timberwolves and Pacers. The Magic get another crack at Indiana on Monday before they return home to host the 76ers for a two-game set over the weekend."

The Magic hope to get Cole Anthony (oblique), Paolo Banchero (ankle) and Markelle Fultz (toe) among others back very soon, and then Orlando will finally be able to play as it was intended.

Orlando is back in action tonight against the Pacers in Indianapolis before heading back home for Thanksgiving break and a pair of games against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday and Sunday.

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Published Nov 21, 2022

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.