NBA Power Rankings: Magic Moving Down After Defensive Woes?

The Orlando Magic is 1-3 in its last four games. Where does that put the team in this week's power rankings?

Jeremy Brener | Mar 14, 2023

NBA Power Rankings: Magic Moving Down After Defensive Woes? /

In this story:

Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is embarking on a four-game road trip that the team hopes is better than its recent four-game homestand.

The team went 1-3 in its past four games, including losses to the Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz. The team's defense struggled and didn't have its best showcase in an important stretch of basketball.

However, the team's losing ways weren't enough to shake them from the same No. 26 spot in Sports Illustrated's power rankings.

"Orlando avoided going winless across its four-game homestand by beating Miami at home Saturday night," SI writes. "It took overtime to put the Heat away, but Wendell Carter Jr.’s 27-point, 11-rebound performance propelled the Magic to a double-digit win in the extra period. In their previous two games they had allowed more than 130 points in consecutive losses to the Bucks and Jazz."

The defense may have a redemption night on Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs, the league's worst offense, but then it will be tested further on Thursday playing the Phoenix Suns, Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers and Sunday facing the Los Angeles Lakers. Should the Magic play well, its slim chances at the play-in tournament can stay alive.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.

Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.

Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.

Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.

Published Mar 14, 2023

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.