Ranking the Orlando Magic’s prospective playoff opponents in the first round.

The Orlando Magic, who have 19 games remaining, are comfortably positioned as the Eastern Conference’s #4 seed and have the upper hand in securing homecourt advantage in the opening round. It is officially time to look at first-round playoff matchups with one of the easiest schedules remaining and a home-heavy conclusion to the season (we begin an eight-game homestand in two weeks).

Now, strength of schedule isn’t always a reliable predictor of success in the future, particularly in a league where nearly every club has the ability to win on any given night.

With 19 games left, the Orlando Magic are sitting pretty as the #4 seed in the Eastern Conference and are favorites to win homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. With one of the easiest schedules remaining and a home-heavy finish to the season (we start an eight-game homestand in two weeks), it is now time to consider first-round playoff matches.

Now, schedule strength isn’t always a good indicator of future success, especially in a league where almost every club can win on any given night.

There is a lot of work to be done to guarantee the team’s postseason spot, and the standings are incredibly close. Even if the Magic must win the 7/8 Play-In Game, it is difficult to see them finishing outside of the top eight.

If you’d rather dream of something different, the Orlando Magic are currently four full games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for second place and 3.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third seed. The Cavaliers have lost five of their last ten games, showing a slight slippage.

Though it would be a difficult undertaking, I don’t believe the Magic are completely done looking for the three seeds.

After this weekend’s games against the Knicks and Pacers, the standings might be a little more obvious. However, the East will now proceed to the wire for seeding as things are.

The Magic are still in contention against every playoff opponent. There are some that are better than others.

In any case, it feels good that the Magic can compete with almost any team in the conference and that they have the potential to win a few series.