The Orlando Magic are heading out West for a four-game road trip, and while they’ll be without a couple of key pieces, the mindset inside the locker room is anything but defeated. The trip begins in Denver, where the defending champs and Western Conference powerhouse Nuggets await-a tough test by any measure. But according to Paolo Banchero, the Magic are embracing the opportunity.
“I'll say it's good vibes,” Banchero said after shootaround. “I think everybody's excited for the opportunity.
We got some guys out. But that's just a chance for others to step up.”
That “next man up” mentality will be critical, especially with two of Orlando’s most important contributors sidelined. Franz Wagner remains out with a high ankle sprain suffered earlier this month against the Knicks, and Jalen Suggs is also unavailable after a left hip contusion knocked him out during the In-Season Tournament semifinal, also against New York.
That’s a lot of production missing-Wagner’s scoring versatility and Suggs’ defensive intensity have been foundational to Orlando’s early-season success. But rather than dwell on what they don’t have, the Magic are focusing on what they do: depth, chemistry, and a belief that they can hang with anyone.
“We don’t want to have any drop off,” Banchero said. “We still want to have a successful road trip. So, everybody’s going to have to bring it.”
They’ll need to bring it right away. Denver enters the matchup as the league’s most efficient offensive team, leading the NBA in both points per game (125.6) and field goal percentage (51.6%).
And of course, there’s Nikola Jokic-still doing Jokic things. The reigning Finals MVP is averaging a triple-double, putting up 29.8 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per night.
Slowing him down is a challenge for any team, let alone one missing two of its best perimeter defenders.
“Definitely got to be locked in defensively,” Banchero emphasized. “They're the number one offense in the league. And just push the pace when we can, get out in transition, and just be the aggressors tonight.”
That aggressiveness-particularly in transition-could be Orlando’s best shot at disrupting Denver’s rhythm. With Jokic anchoring the halfcourt, the Nuggets are surgical when they’re allowed to set up. But if the Magic can force stops and get out and run, they might be able to tilt the tempo in their favor.
Banchero also pointed to the team’s overall talent level, reiterating that this group is deeper than many might realize.
“We got a lot of talented players on the team,” he said. “Everybody has a next man up mentality. So one or two guys go down, that's time for the next one or two to step up.”
“And so, everybody just embrace that mentality. And I’m looking forward to doing it again here on the West Coast.”
One other factor in play: altitude. Playing in Denver is never easy, especially for teams coming from sea level.
The thinner air can sneak up on even the most conditioned athletes. But Banchero, now in his second season, isn’t sweating it.
“If you’ve been in the league, you’re expecting it,” he said. “Maybe for the rookies not being here, but you know that wind might be a little quicker. But I don’t think it’ll play too much of a part.”
“We’ve won here before, and everyone has to play here. Vegas was elevation, Utah will be the same, so we just got to come out and play the game.”
That’s the mindset the Magic are taking into this road trip. No excuses.
No fear. Just an opportunity for a young, hungry team to prove it can compete with the NBA’s elite-even when the odds aren’t stacked in their favor.