The Orlando Magic entered the season as one of the early favorites in the Eastern Conference. However, their start thus far has been up-and-down to say the least. After a cold start in terms of offensive production, the team has seemed to put it back together, winning five of their last six games. Even with the middling start to the season, the Magic could be a real contender in the East.
Bleacher Report released an article, updating their original win-loss predictions from the preseason. The Magic were originally predicted to finish with a 49-33 record. After their recent hot streak, they are now two games ahead of that prediction with a projected 51-31 finish.
"Paolo Banchero leveled up as a foul-drawer in the early going, which provided a solid source of scoring for an Orlando Magic offense that didn't otherwise hit the ground running," the article wrote. "Despite a groin injury to Banchero and a cold start for new addition Desmond Bane, the Magic now find themselves hovering around the top 10 in offensive efficiency."
The Magic's perimeter shooting was the team's biggest problem heading into the season. The trade for Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane during the offseason was supposed to improve the shooting by a wide margin. While Bane's production over the first few weeks was unlike his efficient shooting in Memphis, he has performed at a higher level as of late. However, Bane is not the only reason for this offensive improvement.
"Anthony Black is thriving of late, and he flashed potential to take on a larger role in scoring a career-high 31 points on Nov. 25," the article added. "With Banchero out, the ball has moved better, and Orlando is embracing the faster pace everyone's been clamoring for. Though the uptick in flow and movement without Banchero raises its own questions, Orlando should feel good about the growth it has shown. Once the defense gets back to the top-five levels it hit in each of the last two years, the Magic should be able to crack the 50-win mark."
Orlando has always dealt with the injury bug. Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac seem to be on the injury report quite a bit but both have been relatively healthy so far this campaign. Paolo Banchero and Moritz Wagner are the only two players on the injury report but both are expected to make their returns within the next week or so. When both return to the court, the offense will presumably be even better.