Orlando Magic - Best Team in the Playoffs?

        Orlando has run through the first two rounds of the Eastern Conference playoffs, defeating the Charlotte Bobcats 4-0 and sweeping the Hawks to follow, so despite finishing with the second best record in the East, they seem to be the logical team to pick in the playoffs, peaking at the right time- the NBA postseason. But the best is yet to come for the Magic. Dwight Howard was underwhelming at best in their opening round against Charlotte- averaging just 26.5 minutes per game, struggling with foul trouble in each and every game of the series. In the second round against the Hawks, Howard was back to his dominant self, posting three straight double-doubles to put Atlanta down 3-0. The Hawks won 53 games during the regular season, but found themselves outmatched against Orlando, being downed by an average of 25 points per night. But Howard wasn't just a one-man show. Jameer Nelson has been an enormous offensive weapon, putting up 20.5 points, 5 assists and knocking down 2+ three-pointers per game. Vince Carter has seemingly found a fountain of youth, averaging 17 points a contest, while Rashard Lewis is chipping in nearly 17 as well. Could this be the year for the Magic? Can their four shooters, plus a deep rotation and the best big man in the game overcome Cleveland or Boston in the East and likely de-throne the defending champion Lakers in the West? It certainly looks that way so far.  Will Orlando continue their postseason dominance?

By Corey Ruff  - President- 5-15-10