The Orlando Magic's record (20-16) has been perfectly reflective of their season thus far. They currently sit in the No. 6 spot of the Eastern Conference standings but their season has been relatively up-and-down. The team underwent a cold start to the season but quickly turned things around. However, with multiple injuries to the rotation, the team has been largely inconsistent.
Bleacher Report released an article, giving one word to describe every NBA franchise at the moment. The Magic's word: "insufficient."
"The Orlando Magic made a significant win-now trade to acquire Desmond Bane over the summer, and they've more recently gotten a breakout stretch from former lottery pick Anthony Black," the article wrote. "Due partly to injuries, an offensive scheme that still stalls out and a defense that has surprisingly slipped, the Magic still aren't good enough. Orlando is on pace to win 42 or 43 games, slightly better than the 41 it managed last year and well short of the 47 it secured in 2023-24."
While some players are breaking out this season, the strong core has taken a setback due to multiple injuries to the rotation. Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs have all missed or are currently missing time similar to last season.
"Paolo Banchero has been a major disappointment, and his shooting struggles have only intensified," the article wrote. "More than ever, it's hard to imagine him being the best player on a true postseason threat. All the free throws are nice, but they don't offset the fact that he misses three out of every four triples he attempts. Franz Wagner has missed time as well, which doesn't help Orlando's bottom line. If he returns at full strength, Banchero figures out how to make a jumper and the defense recaptures its form of a year ago (a healthy Jalen Suggs would help there), maybe the Magic can change their fate. For now, they're among the more disappointing teams in the league."
When the lineup is fully healthy, the Magic could be among the stronger teams in the East but their injuries and inconsistent play have lowered expectations in terms of championship aspirations this season.
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