Orlando Magic continue to surge towards the play-offs despite injuries – NBA Update
The Orlando Magic is determined to do well in the National Basketball Association play-offs despite many injuries that have hit them in recent times. The Magic’s Coach Stan Van Gundy still seemed hopeful, as he assured some of the critics who doubted Orlando’s
ability to match up in the play-offs.
Van Gundy highlighted the fact of having trust on its current 10 players. He positively commended his players’ skills. At the same time, he admitted the fact of having less main players means a lack of consistency and winning percentage.
Talking to the media he said, “I couldn't play 10 guys if I wanted to right now, it’s sort of crazy right now. The only thing for us that has been tough is that we haven't had the same guys out, so it's been hard to get into any type of rhythm, it's really
hard to get into any kind of playing rotation, and consistency in the way you play. And I think that's shown up in the way we play.”
For the past several weeks now, the Orlando Magic is playing without four key players including J.J. Redick, Gilbert Arenas, Quentin Richardson and Chris Duhon.
Redick is out due to his lower abdominal pain and he has already missed 11 consecutive games for the Magic. Point guard Arenas’ knee and left calf soreness has aggravated and he too is resting. Chris Duhon did not play the last two games for the Orlando
Magic due to his right thumb injury.
Though Orlando’s forward Quentin Richardson is back in the squad, but did not recover fully as he is still suffering from back spasms.
All these injuries are critical and if they persist can badly damage Orlando’s chances during the play-offs. Currently the Orlando Magic is at the fourth position in the Eastern Conference and is likely to be matched against the Atlanta Hawks in the first
round of the play-offs. In the four games between the two franchises this season, the Hawks won the series 3-1 and although Orlando is at a higher spot in the overall ranking, they will have to be physically fit and play out of their skins to tame the Hawks.
The Magic’s superstar Dwight Howard also expressed his concerns over the ongoing injury crises, but he still determined to perform up to his highest level. He told the media about having less energy last time around when they reached the finals.
He further stated, “Just be consistent and play hard every night, when we went to the Finals, we were exhausted. We had put so much in and I don't think we had anything. But that's not an excuse for why we lost. We've been there once and we want to get back.”
For the Orlando Magic’s next four games are against the Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls and the Philadelphia 76ers.
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