1. The Magic were the league’s best team in the second half of the season.

Their 23-5 record since the All-Star Break is tops in the league, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. John Schuhmann of NBA.com writes that the Magic have climbed steadily toward the top of the league in both offensive efficiency and defensive efficiency over the past few months, and now own the NBA’s best efficiency differential. Despite their winning ways, we haven’t heard much about the Magic in the national media.

2. Stan Van Gundy will roll 10 deep.

It’s an unconventional philosophy, but Magic coach Stan Van Gundy has made it clear that he will continue to use a 10-man rotation even in the postseason, which is when most coaches trim the fat, so to speak, and begin giving heavy minutes to their best players. And while Magic starters Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Matt Barnes, Rashard Lewis, and Dwight Howard figure to see their roles increase, it won’t cost anyone on the second unit a rotation spot if Van Gundy has his way. He’ll go with Jason Williams at the point, J.J. Redick at shooting guard, Mickael Pietrus at small forward, and Marcin Gortat at center. Matchups will dictate whether Ryan Anderson or Brandon Bass will get the nod as the team’s backup power forward.

3. The team is deeper and better than the one that went to the NBA Finals last season.

Carter’s proven to be an upgrade over Hedo Turkoglu. The same can be said for Barnes over Courtney Lee and Anderson over Tony Battie. And a healthy Nelson bests Rafer Alston’s production as well. Just about any statistical metric will illustrate all those facts. Whether this team makes a return trip to the Finals remains to be seen, obviously. But there’s no denying that there’s more talent and a higher upside here than on the one that bowed in 5 games to the L.A. Lakers last June.

For more of Ben’s coverage of the Orlando Magic check out Orlando Pinstriped Post.