NBA power rankings: Sixers slowly recalibrating after tough stretch

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NBA power rankings — Magic, Kings, Pacers

27. Orlando Magic (5-19)

The Magic have done an excellent job this season, putting almost every important young piece in a position to succeed. Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. have crystalized as the frontcourt of the future, while rookie Franz Wagner is a top-3 Rookie of the Year contender right now. Above all, of course, is Cole Anthony, who has emerged as the legitimate No. 1 option offensively and who looks to have real All-Star potential further down the road.

26. Sacramento Kings (10-14)

Sacramento continues to underwhelm, with interim head coach Alvin Gentry doing little to change the murky long-term outlook of this team. Tyrese Haliburton’s lack of a leap forward has been disappointing, and De’Aaron Fox’s outright regression has been even worse. The pieces are there — Sacramento has good pieces — but it’s not clicking. Something substantial has to change.

25. Indiana Pacers (9-16)

The upgrade at head coach hasn’t been enough to right the ship in Indiana. You can point to injuries and absences all you want, but at some point, it becomes a matter of roster construction. The Domantas Sabonis-Myles Turner frontcourt has run its course, and few teams should more ardently pursue major changes at the trade deadline. Perhaps Ben Simmons is available.