The Orlando Magic ended the regular season as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. After four straight losing seasons, the franchise was able to finish with a 47-35 record. Despite their brilliant showing, the Orlando Magic have gone under the radar. However, that will not matter as they are set to put the world on notice in the postseason.
The Magic are matched up against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. This is one of the best possible fixtures the Magic could have got as the Cavs have looked poor since the All-Star break. Both these teams are young and led by dynamic stars Donovon Mitchell and Paolo Banchero. Orlando has one of the best defensive sides in the league with players like Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz and Goga Bitadze anchoring their defense. These names could prove to be key for the Magic if they are to stop the offensive threat the Cavs possess.
Paolo Banchero’s heroics with the Orlando Magic are going under the radar
Paolo Banchero has been one of the most underrated young stars in the league. He won the Rookie of the Year comfortably last season and has been on a mission since then. The 22-year-old has averaged 22.6PPG, 6.9 RPG and 5.4 APG on 45.5% shooting from the field. The 6 feet 10 forward is also a more than capable defender. His size makes it extremely difficult for players to get the better of him.
Despite putting up stellar numbers, Banchero has often been overlooked as compared to his other peers. He will be looking to put up a great performance in the 2024 Playoffs and prove to the NBA world that he could be the face of the league. The Orlando Magic have failed to build a good team, but the current roster seems to be a great fit. With a brilliant player like Banchero leading the way from the front, the franchise is set to surprise a few people.
Orlando Magic have a big advantage heading into the Playoffs
The Orlando Magic’s defense is easily one of the best in the league. They have a lot of big players and it is extremely difficult for them to be caught in a wrong matchup. Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr. and Anthony Black are all players who have significant height advantage in their positions. Their bench is also stacked with good defenders and this will help them going into the Playoffs.
The game slows down in the postseason and that is when defense becomes a factor in deciding games. However, experience is also instrumental in winning a series and the Magic lack that. They certainly have a lot of solid players in their roster and if they deliver, Magic can overcome the lack of experience and cause a few upsets in the Eastern Conference.
