The Orlando Magic have quietly taken a solid leap forward this season despite their injury woes. The team entered the season as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference but their early season start spread concern. Orlando lost four of their first five games but have quickly recovered to an above .500 record with a 15-11 record.
Bleacher Report revealed their latest report card, grading every NBA team based on their performance so far this season. The Magic received a B+.
“A jump from 27th in offense last year to 11th this season has been a huge improvement for the Orlando Magic, a team that is still posting an elite defense (111.5 rating, No. 5 overall),” the article wrote. “Desmond Bane has helped cover for injuries to Paolo Banchero and now Franz Wagner with his 19.0 points and 4.5 assists per game. Tristan da Silva has made a second-year leap and Anthony Black continues to improve. Orlando still needs more shooting, though, as it ranks just 27th in made threes per game (11.4) while none of its top-seven players in three-point attempts are shooting above 37.8 percent from deep. A 15-10 record and four seed in the East is a nice start, but there's still work to be done offensively.”
The Magic's biggest weakness over the past few seasons has been their perimeter shooting. The Magic hoped to have fixed their issues by signing guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a three-year contract during the 2024 offseason but he quickly regressed after joining the franchise. Orlando quickly moved him as part of a blockbuster trade package for Desmond Bane last offseason. Bane started the season poorly as a shooter but his efficiency has worked itself out, leading the team in scoring during the Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner absences.
Orlando's injury concerns have plagued the franchise. Last year, Banchero only played 46 games and missed 11 this season already due to a groin strain. He has returned to the court but following his return, Wagner injured his ankle and will miss the next two to four weeks. Jalen Suggs has also missed time last year, playing 35 games, but has remained healthy so far this season. There is no doubt the Magic are a dangerous team but they're only dangerous when all their stars are healthy.
The Magic currently sit as the No. 5 seed in the East but their standing could improve if the team manages to avoid injuries.