Josh Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://cdn.nba.com/teams/legacy/www.nba.com/magic/sites/magic/files/1_stats_20181015.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1026359"/><figcaption>OrlandoMagic.com&#8217;s Josh Cohen breaks down the Magic&#8217;s strengths during the preseason. Click through this gallery for details.

The Magic open up the regular season at home against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, Oct. 17. </figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://cdn.nba.com/teams/legacy/www.nba.com/magic/sites/magic/files/2_stats_20181015.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1026360"/><figcaption>Magic ranked #1 in opponent points in paint (32.8)

Don’t be surprised if the Magic rank high in this category in the regular season, too, considering how much length and versatility they have on their frontline. It would be a major turnaround if this does indeed translate seeing that Orlando ranked 29th last year in this area. 
</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://cdn.nba.com/teams/legacy/www.nba.com/magic/sites/magic/files/3_stats_20181015.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1026361"/><figcaption>Magic ranked #1 in opponent second chance points (5.4)

Many would argue there’s nothing more deflating than when a team gives up an offensive rebound after playing good defense. Elite defensive teams, more often than not, are also great rebounding teams. What’s encouraging for the Magic is that their entire frontline – notably Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac and Mohamed Bamba – are all excellent rebounders. 
</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://cdn.nba.com/teams/legacy/www.nba.com/magic/sites/magic/files/4_stats_20181015.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1026362"/><figcaption>Magic ranked #5 in turnovers/#3 in opponent points off turnovers

The Hornets committed the fewest turnovers in the NBA in four of Steve Clifford’s five coaching seasons in Charlotte. The other year they ranked third in this extremely important category. Clifford’s teams are always highly disciplined, so expect the Magic to do a good job protecting the ball and avoiding mistakes. 
</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://cdn.nba.com/teams/legacy/www.nba.com/magic/sites/magic/files/5_stats_20181015.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1026363"/><figcaption>Magic ranked #4 in opponent FG% (40.2)

From covering pick-and-rolls to patrolling the lane and from running back in transition to rotating around the perimeter, the Magic were, by and large, very good defensively. They also defended the 3-point line well, which is critical considering the top 13 teams in this category last season all won at least 35 games. 
</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://cdn.nba.com/teams/legacy/www.nba.com/magic/sites/magic/files/6_stats_20181015.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1026364"/><figcaption>Magic ranked #15 in assists (24.6)

Aside from the contest against San Antonio, the Magic did a terrific job sharing the ball and trading questionable shots for high percentage shots. Emphasized by Clifford throughout the preseason, the Magic want to play inside-out and increase paint touches. Whenever they were stagnant or settled for quick perimeter jumpers, the Magic struggled offensively.
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