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[Saba Sports News] The Orlando Magic are headed to the Play-In Tournament and even clinched their division this season — but not without setting an unfortunate record along the way.
Despite falling to the Atlanta Hawks 117-105 in their season finale, the Magic finished 41-41 and still secured the Southeast Division title by a single game over Atlanta.
In doing so, they became the first team since the ABA-NBA merger to win a division without finishing above .500.
While it’s an embarrassing milestone on paper, the Magic’s season is still impressive considering the adversity they faced.
Key players like Mo Wagner and Jalen Suggs suffered season-ending injuries early, Paolo Banchero was limited to just 46 games with a torn oblique, and Franz Wagner also missed time with the same injury.
Even with those setbacks, Orlando managed to earn the No. 7 seed and a shot at the postseason — a testament to their resilience in a challenging year.