With the NBA Playoffs looming around the corner, it looks as if the Eastern Conference will have some pretty good match-ups to rival the Western Conference. I have given the West a lot of praise this season but I think it is time to show the East some love.

One of the top four teams, the Orlando Magic, has not been getting enough attention in my view. With the recent emergence of the Philadelphia 76ers, who looked like they were going to miss the playoffs just a few weeks ago, it is easy to see why not many people are talking about the Magic.

There was a lot said about the organization this summer when they signed Rashard Lewis to a six-year contract worth more than $110 million.

More was said after the hiring and resignation of Billy Donovan, coach of college basketball’s Florida Gators before ownership regrouped by hiring Stan Van Gundy, former coach of the Miami Heat.

Through all these moves, the emergence of All-Star center Dwight Howard was always going to be the key to how far this team went this season.

Howard is an exciting player who always provides highlight-reel dunks, but it was his growth on the defensive side of the ball that would send the Magic to the next level. Howard also led the league in turnovers last season, so ball control was another aspect of his game that needed to be vastly improved.

Howard has improved in both areas and the team's role players have also answered the bell to help turn the Magic into contenders this season.

Hedo Turkoglu has become a leading candidate to be named the NBA's Most Improved Player. He is scoring 19.3 points per game this year, a six-point improvement upon last year, while dishing out five assists and grabbing six rebounds per game as well. 

Point guard Jameer Nelson has increased his assists this season following the signing of Lewis and Turkoglu’s improvement, making up for his decrease in scoring.

If the playoffs were to start today, the Magic would face the 76ers in what could be a tremendous match-up. I’m not expecting Orlando to win the title, however they could present a stiff for challenge for the top two teams, the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons.

Other Interesting Playoff Scenarios

Looking at the current standings, I can’t help but smile at some of the potential match-ups in the opening round of the playoffs. With three weeks left in the season, some of these series may not end up happening. However, we can always hope we get to see these teams sqaure off in the postseason.

Cleveland vs. Washington

These two teams always provide high-scoring games, obvious by the fact that neither has scored less than 85 points in the teams' four meetings this year.

The key for Washington will be fitting star guard Gilbert Arenas back into the swing of things. He has been out with a knee injury and his presence will be key against LeBron James and his Ohio crew.

New Orleans Hornets vs. Golden State Warriors

Two of the most entertaining point guards would face off as the Hornets’ Chris Paul and the Warriors’ Baron Davis would definitely be the focus of this series. Both are quick to the basket and will make a defense pay for making any mistakes.

Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs

These two teams are very evenly match with great guard play, a presence in the post and veteran coaches dominating the storyline. It definitely won’t be the most entertaining series to watch. However, this series could produce the NBA champion.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns

This would probably be the most-watched series. The Suns’ Shaquille O’Neal would have at least four games against his former team and a chance to knock them out the playoffs. If the Suns ended the Lakers season that would spell sweet revenge for Shaq.