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5. How many playoff games will the Magic win this postseason?
Drexler: A generous guess is two, but a more realistic guess is one. Their likely first-round opponent, Indiana, is the most underrated team in the league, and if Roy Hibbert doesn't have to deal with Dwight, it's going to get ugly. Regardless of whom they play, though, the Magic will be hard pressed to come up with more than one win in the first round.
Nowell: Two? I have a hard time imagining them giving any potential opponent, Indiana included, much of a tough series. Over seven games, a Dwight-less roster is too easily exploited for its lack of defense, size and athleticism.
Rivera: Three games. I know the assumption is that with Dwight out, the Indiana Pacers practically have a bye in the first round of the 2012 playoffs. I wouldn't underestimate Van Gundy in this situation, though. He excels at maximizing talent. The Pacers will be in for a fight.
Stein: One. At best. You wouldn't rule out a sweep either, because the Magic are going to play the scorching Pacers in Round 1 ... or worse, Chicago or Miami in the first round. Orlando's season is over. Not expecting much fight from these guys without Dwight, even if you believe the theory out there that some of his teammates would prefer to play without him at this point.
Wallace: I'd give them two wins, max. The makeup of this team now reminds me of that old Heart and Hustle squad led by Darrell Armstrong and Bo Outlaw during those lean years under Doc Rivers. This current team is a bit more skilled, but they have the same passion and spirit those older guys played with when there was no superstar to rally around. So I see Ryan Anderson, J.J. Redick, Jason Richardson and Jameer Nelson getting hot enough to win one game with their shooting and another one strictly on hustle and pride.
Drexler: A generous guess is two, but a more realistic guess is one. Their likely first-round opponent, Indiana, is the most underrated team in the league, and if Roy Hibbert doesn't have to deal with Dwight, it's going to get ugly. Regardless of whom they play, though, the Magic will be hard pressed to come up with more than one win in the first round.
Nowell: Two? I have a hard time imagining them giving any potential opponent, Indiana included, much of a tough series. Over seven games, a Dwight-less roster is too easily exploited for its lack of defense, size and athleticism.
Rivera: Three games. I know the assumption is that with Dwight out, the Indiana Pacers practically have a bye in the first round of the 2012 playoffs. I wouldn't underestimate Van Gundy in this situation, though. He excels at maximizing talent. The Pacers will be in for a fight.
Stein: One. At best. You wouldn't rule out a sweep either, because the Magic are going to play the scorching Pacers in Round 1 ... or worse, Chicago or Miami in the first round. Orlando's season is over. Not expecting much fight from these guys without Dwight, even if you believe the theory out there that some of his teammates would prefer to play without him at this point.
Wallace: I'd give them two wins, max. The makeup of this team now reminds me of that old Heart and Hustle squad led by Darrell Armstrong and Bo Outlaw during those lean years under Doc Rivers. This current team is a bit more skilled, but they have the same passion and spirit those older guys played with when there was no superstar to rally around. So I see Ryan Anderson, J.J. Redick, Jason Richardson and Jameer Nelson getting hot enough to win one game with their shooting and another one strictly on hustle and pride.
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