The Magic is on fire. Orlando has won six straight and eight of its last 10 games, building a four-game lead over second place Atlanta in the Southeast Division. The Magtic say the motivation comes from all the talk about the Lakers and Cavs already locked into the NBA finals.

Orlando, to a man, feels that it should be a part of that conversation if for no other reason than the fact it beat Cleveland decisively last season to win the East. Dwight Howard and Company have taken that perceived slight and turned into positive energy resulting in their best stretch of basketball this season.

Even though his numbers are down from a year ago, Howard is STILL the man in Orlando. He’s averaging nearly 19 points and 13 rebounds and remains the premier shot blocker in the business. Howard’s workman like ethic is the key to the Magic’s success. But the emergence of Vince Carter to the mix has been huge for Orlando.
TODAY’S GAME LIST:
Atlanta Hawks @ Washington Wizards//Chicago Bulls @ Orlando Magic//Portland Trail Blazers @ Golden State Warriors