Third-quarter stumbles in back-to-back games further diminished the Orlando Magic’s already dwindling playoff hopes.
The Magic were outscored a combined 70-37 in the third quarters of losses to the Raptors (Friday) and the Rockets (Sunday). As a result, Orlando (18-39) now sits 5½ games out of 10th in the Eastern Conference with 15 games to play, as of Monday.
But while the Magic drift away from the postseason with each loss, the movement potentially pushes them closer to a top-four draft position. In terms of the draft lottery standings, the Magic were fourth as of Monday, trailing the Timberwolves by 3½ games, the Rockets by three games and the Pistons by one game.