Another Devastating Injury In East Increases Orlando Magic's Title Chances

Game 7 of the NBA Finals took a terrifying turn Sunday when Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton fell to the floor, ultimately suffering a torn Achilles tendon. Given the time of recovery from the injury, Haliburton's chances of playing next season are unlikely. With the Pacers' chances of contending severely damaged, the Eastern Conference just opened up a little more for the Orlando Magic.

Recently, NBA Insider Jake Fischer emphasized Orlando's chances at representing the East in the NBA Finals.

"You already saw Orlando push their chips in and go get Desmond Bane I think in large part because the Magic saw their own shortcomings in addition to the fact that everyone is working in this context of the overall NBA marketplace and what the league hierarchy is," Fischer said. "And Orlando saw an opportunity to put themselves in the conversation to win the Eastern Conference."

Haliburton became the third star in the postseason to suffer a season-ending Achilles injury, all of which happened in the East. Milwaukee Bucks star guard Damian Lillard tore his Achilles in Game 4 of the first round against Indiana, and Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum suffered the same ill fate in Game 4 of the East Semis against the New York Knicks.

The acquisition of Desmond Bane gives Orlando the type of significant boost it has been longing for and a pathway to outgun teams while playing elite defense. With free agency just beginning, expect the Magic to pursue quality role players to round out the roster and further elevate the team.

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