Looking ahead to the month of February for the Magic

The Orlando Magic opened January by winning their first four games, which put them on a nine-game winning streak and seemingly re-established the Magic as championship contenders.  The Magic tailed off though, splitting their last 12 games to finish the month with a 10-6 record, and 31-18 overall.  For January, the Magic were 6-1 at home (18-6 overall) and 4-5 on the road (13-12 overall).  The Magic were 1-5 against teams currently with a .500 or better record, and 9-1 against teams currently under .500.  After 49 games last season, the Magic were 33-16.

February's schedule sees the Magic playing 11 games (8 home, 3 away) in 25 days beginning on the third, including a tough seven games in eleven days stretch between the third and 13th.  The Magic do not play any road games after Feb. 9th, with a six game homestand to close out the month. With the All-Star Break, the Magic will have six straight days off.  Five of the month's games will be against teams with a winning record, but four of those games will be at home.

Home:  3) MIA;  8) LAC;  11) NO;  13) LAL;  16) WAS;  23) SAC;  25) OKC;  27) CHA

Away:  4) @WAS;  6) @BOS;  9) @PHI

The Magic have just two sets of back-to-backs in February, but the second of both are on the road.

Last February, the Magic were 8-4 for an overall record of 40-20.

This February, I predict the Magic will go 7-4 as they try and right themselves after their recent mediocre play.  I am hoping the Magic can win at least three of the five games against the over .500 teams, and improve in those areas in which their opponents have exposed them in recent games.