NBA Power Rankings: Magic Climbing After Paolo Banchero Heroics?
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic are back in the swing of things after the All-Star Break, playing three games in a four-day span.
The Magic finished 2-1 on their road trip to start the second half of the season, which prompted a jump in CBS Sports' power rankings. Orlando now sits at No. 15 after being No. 17 last week.
Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
"Orlando started the week with a road win over the Cavs, then Paolo Banchero showed some serious emotion following a game-winning and-one jumper to beat the Pistons on Saturday," CBS Sports writes. "He missed the next game, which the Magic lost to Atlanta."
While Banchero battled an illness, he was still able to help the Magic win their games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons. However, when he sat out Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks, the Magic couldn't get the win -- further proof of his importance to the team.
Banchero is questionable to return for tonight's game against the Brooklyn Nets, which kicks off a three-game homestand for the Magic that continues on Thursday against the Utah Jazz and finishes Sunday against the Pistons.
Tipoff between the Magic and Nets is set for tonight at 7 p.m. ET.
