ORLANDO MAGIC

The Orlando Magic has the task of knocking off the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs this year. The 6th seeded Magic lost their superstar and leader of Dwight Howard who is the most dynamic big man in the NBA with a back injury that put Howard out of the remainder of this season. If Orlando was facing any other team in the Playoffs I'd say they would have a tougher matchup but Indiana is a superb matchup for the team and ultimately a huge break. Indiana is a well coached team who doesn't make a lot of mistakes. Orlando is a scrappy team who can get turnovers and push up the court. Orlando has more depth even though they're lacking a star player right now. For the Magic to upset the Indiana Pacers they will need good games out of Howard's back up Bass who isn't too bad of a big man himself. I do not see Orlando advancing past the second round however seeing that they would be facing the Miami Heat who had their way with the Magic in the regular season. I give the edge to Orlando just soley on coach Van Gundy and not knowing too much about the Pacers other than key players. Orlando has been in the playoffs the last few years with a finals trip so they are experienced and know what to expect.