NBA 2020-21: 5 Teams that made the playoff last season but wont make it back in 2021

#4 Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic center Vucevic

Orlando Magic finished comfortably inside the NBA Eastern Conference playoff berths last season, 8 wins ahead of 9th-placed Washington. However, after trading D.J. Augustin in the offseason, the Magic gave up a player that consistently provided double-digit points for the past 3 seasons.

As a result, Orlando's offense has relied primarily on potential NBA All-Star Nikola Vucevic, who is averaging 23 points and 11.4 rebounds and have fallen to a 9-15 record after losing 7 of their last ten matchups.

Orlando has discussed for several years the possibility of moving Aaron Gordon on to free up some cap space, though has never done so. The franchise could do with moving Gordon as well as finding a suitor for Vucevic, who would be a heavily-prized asset. In return, Orlando could form a significant rebuild around developing rookie Cole Anthony.

Our #NBA Insider @ShamsCharania shares how the @OrlandoMagic will likely approach the trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/XONjZz4QbP

— Stadium (@Stadium) February 8, 2021

Currently, the Magic have a squad ready to battle for 8th place though will face a stiff challenge with the East strengthening and will likely just miss out on the 2021 NBA playoffs.

#5 Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Led by Chris Paul and Steven Adams, Oklahoma City Thunder impressed last season and were narrowly beaten in the first round of the postseason. This year tells a different tale for the franchise, who are currently undergoing a long-term rebuild which will ultimately see them miss out on the 2021 NBA playoffs.

Amidst their development, the Thunder do possess some talented players in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort and Al Horford, who have enabled their side to battle out impressive victories over the Nets, Suns and Rockets. However, for this season at least, they simply don't have the All-Star talent to break into the congested Western Conference playoff berths.