NBA 2018-19: Why the Orlando Magic will not make the 2019 NBA playoffs

#1 There is No Game Changer on the Roster:

Orlando Magic v Washington Wizards

There is talent on the Orlando Magic and its young talent. However, with youth comes inexperience and the long hard process of learning how to win basketball games. There are 5 double-digit scorers on the Magic’s roster led by Nikola Vucevic at 20.7ppg and Aaron Gordon at 16ppg. In fact, Vucevic averages a double-double with 12.1rpg. This means the 2018-19 season is his best yet. Vucevic was the only Orlando Magic player to make the NBA all-star game and it was his first selection in 8 seasons.

As athletic as Aaron Gordon is, he is only averaging 3.4 free throw attempts per game. He is not yet using his size, speed, and power to dominate his opponents by getting to the foul line. This is now his 5th season in the NBA.

On Friday night, Terrence Ross scored 31 points in the victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. However, Ross is averaging only 14.8ppg in 26.4 minutes per game. He is not a consistent scorer as say, Lou Williams with the Clippers coming off of the bench. The ultimate problem for Orlando is that none of Gordon, Fournier or Vucevic ever has extended stretches of taking over games by scoring at a high level. The Magic don't really have a player like James Harden or Giannis Antetokounmpo that they can lean on to lift the team to new heights right now.

The Magic have a mountain to climb with 5 straight games against Eastern Conference playoff-bound teams not to mention a late-season date with the Celtics also playoff bound as well. Further, the Magic’s season stats and young talent that still has not reached its full potential. This all but ensures the Orlando Magic will miss the 2019 NBA playoffs.