By BRENDAN HALL
With the fourth seed in the eastern conference, the Orlando Magic (52-30) find themselves in a favorable situation that, if they make the most of, will land them in the NBA Finals with a shot to win it all.
In the first round the Magic face the Atlanta Hawks (44-38), a team that won the overall season series 3-1. Although the Hawks had the upper-hand against the Magic this season, the Magic have dominated the series in years past. During last year’s playoffs, the Magic swept the Hawks in the second round, with an average margin of victory of 25.3 points per game, the largest margin of a 4-game playoff sweep in NBA history.
The key to the series is Dwight Howard; Atlanta C-F Al Horford has contained Howard well this season and is averaging 8 more ppg against the Magic than the previous two years, but if Howard is able to establish his dominance inside the Magic should have no problem.
Prediction: Magic in 6
In the second round the Magic are most likely to face the 1-seed Chicago Bulls. Although that may appear to be problematic, it actually helps the Magic; it allows the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics to beat up on each other in the second round. If the Magic are able to escape the Bulls, they should get a physically drained Heat or Celtics team in the conference finals.
In order for the Magic to beat the Bulls, the team’s role players have to step up. Chicago PG Derrick Rose is the likely MVP and it will take everything in the Magic’s arsenal to stop him on the defensive end. Magic Forward Ryan Anderson and F Brandon Bass are also key as they will be responsible for stopping All-Star power forward Carlos Boozer.
On the offensive end, the Magic need Jameer Nelson to play well. When Nelson is successful the Magic are too and his ability to execute the pick-and-roll is vital if the Magic hope to make it out of the second round.
Prediction: Magic in 7
The conference finals becomes less predictable, but the Heat should outlast a depleted and struggling Celtics team in a physical second round. The Magic split the season series with the Heat 2-2, including an incredible 24-point comeback win in the last game of the series. Both teams match up well against each other, with the Magic’s deeper bench being a major advantage.
In order for the Magic to make it to the Finals for the second time in three years, the team has to take either Lebron James, Dwayne Wade or Chris Bosh out of the equation. When all three Heat superstars play well the Heat usually win, but if just one of them has an off game they struggle mightily to pull out games.
If the Magic are able to take just one of those players out of the equation and play solid defense they will make it to the Finals once again. The Magic’s playoff experience will prove pivotal in the conference finals.
Prediction: Magic in 7
As a bold prediction, the Magic will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals; the Thunder will upset the Los Angeles Lakers in the western conference finals. Dwight Howard will face the only player who has been able to guard him on a consistent basis, Kendrick Perkins, who was traded to the Thunder from the Celtics this season.
If the two teams meet up in the Finals, the biggest task for the Magic will be stopping Thunder F Kevin Durant and PG Russell Westbrook. If the Magic are able to step up on the defensive end of the floor, they will be crowned NBA Champions.
Prediction: Magic in 6