The Orlando Magic are tanking hard for that worst record in the NBA, as they are now just a half game better than the Charlotte Bobcats in the standings after a 91-85 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. The Magic have lost five straight games and 13 of their last 14.
NBA draft lottery watch: Magic threatening to outsuck Bobcats
The Magic have lost five straight games and are breathing down the neck of the Bobcats for the worst record in the NBA.
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Orlando closes the year with four straight games against Eastern Conference playoff teams, so it's easy to envision them losing their last four. The Bobcats have five games left, but they have winnable games against the Cavs and Detroit Pistons on the slate.
The Phoenix Suns have taken command in the race for the third-worst record in the league thanks to their nine-game losing streak. The Suns extended that losing streak to nine on Sunday with a 95-92 loss to the New Orleans Hornets. Phoenix finishes with four of five games on the road, so their 1½-game lead over Cleveland for the third-worst record appears to be pretty safe.
Here’s the full draft lottery race:
| W | L | GB | |
| Charlotte Bobcats | 18 | 59 | - |
| Orlando Magic | 19 | 59 | ½ |
| Phoenix Suns | 23 | 54 | 5 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 24 | 52 | 6½ |
| Detroit Pistons | 26 | 52 | 7½ |
| Sacramento Kings | 27 | 50 | 9 |
| New Orleans Hornets | 27 | 50 | 9 |
| Washington Wizards | 29 | 48 | 11 |
| Toronto Raptors | 29 | 48 | 11 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 29 | 47 | 11½ |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 31 | 45 | 13½ |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 33 | 44 | 15 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 38 | 39 | 20 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 40 | 37 | 22 |
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