Do You Believe in Magic? Why Orlando Is Heading to the Championships

They've played seven games this postseason and have seven wins.

They were two wins away from tying the Cavs for first place in the Eastern Conference during the regular season.

They are beating up on the third place Hawks by an average of 29 points per game.

So, why in the world does no one think the Magic can be league Champions this year?

The Orlando Magic, the hottest team in the playoffs right now are arguably the most underrated. Not in the skill sense, but rather that everyone's focus seems to be fixated on the Cavs, Lakers, Suns, and Celtics. It totally makes sense to me, because what have the Magic done except make it to the NBA Finals last year, win every game in the playoffs so far this year, be a beast in the East and do all that in an extremely decisive fashion (excluding the finals loss, but it was still pretty good)?

Seriously, why should anyone care about the team that has Dwight Howard, a 24-year-old center who's won the defensive player of the year award twice in a row?

Did you notice how he's leading the playoff stat charts in field-goal percentage and rebounds per game?

Or what about that guy Mickael Pietrus, who just so happens to be near the top of playoff three-point shooters with a percentage of just over 50 percent?

Let's be honest, you don't care about them. If your team is still in the playoffs you're probably a Lakers, Cavs, or Celtics fan and if not then you're probably rooting for them anyway. Or you could be that poor guy whose team didn't make it in the first place and you're cheering for the underdog Jazz or Hawks. There's no way you're a Magic fan.

The Magic are a mix of young and experienced players, some you've heard of before now and some you haven't, and that's what makes them great. They're short and not every single one is an all-star but the Magic get the job done.

How can you ignore the way they beat down and swept Charlotte and are now one step away from doing the same against Atlanta? Orlando is getting it done in the playoffs and it looks as though no one can stop them.

You want to argue that Charlotte and Atlanta aren't the Lakers or the Cavs? Fine. During the season the Magic went 1-1 against the Lakers, and 2-2 against Cleveland. Hardly any proof that Orlando is going to burn out against either of those teams.

I'm sure the Magic would like to see the Celtics face them next round, as Orlando was 3-1 against Boston during the season. Or maybe the Suns would be a nice opponent, as the Magic went 1-1 against them, winning by 22 and losing by three.

There's no denying that Orlando is the real deal and they deserve some credit. It takes some serious skill to go undefeated in the playoffs so far and they're doing it without breaking a sweat. You say the Lakers or Cavs are the champs? Orlando says bring 'em on.