The Orlando Magic came into this season carrying real expectations - not just from the fanbase, but from around the league. After years of building through the draft and developing young talent, the Magic were pegged as a team ready to take a leap in the Eastern Conference. And while their start was a bit uneven, they’ve found their rhythm lately - and that’s no small thing.
After a sluggish offensive start, Orlando has now won five of its last six games, and the arrow is pointing up. Their recent surge hasn’t just been reflected in the win column - it’s also shifting projections.
Initially pegged for a 49-33 finish, updated models now have them tracking toward a 51-31 season. That’s more than just a two-game bump - it’s a sign that this team is starting to figure things out on both ends of the floor.
At the heart of the early-season turnaround? Paolo Banchero.
The 2023 Rookie of the Year has taken another step forward, particularly in his ability to draw contact and get to the line. That’s been a crucial scoring source for an Orlando offense that, early on, struggled to find its footing.
Even as Banchero dealt with a groin injury, his early-season impact helped steady the ship.
And while Banchero’s absence could’ve derailed the offense, something interesting happened instead: the Magic started moving the ball better. The pace picked up.
The offense flowed more freely. It’s not a knock on Banchero - he’s the centerpiece of this team - but it does speak to the depth and adaptability of this roster.
The ball movement and tempo have been noticeably sharper, and that’s opened up opportunities for others to step up.
One of those players? Rookie guard Anthony Black.
The 6'7" playmaker has shown flashes throughout the season, but he made a loud statement with a career-high 31 points on November 25. His emergence as a scoring threat adds another layer to Orlando’s offensive versatility, and it’s exactly the kind of internal development the front office was banking on when they committed to this young core.
Desmond Bane, acquired in the offseason to address the team’s biggest weakness - perimeter shooting - had a slow start adjusting to his new surroundings. But lately, he’s looked much more like the sharpshooter he was in Memphis. His improved play has helped stretch the floor and create space for slashers like Franz Wagner and Banchero to operate.
Still, it’s not just about the offense. The Magic have quietly built one of the more physical, switchable defenses in the league over the past two seasons.
While they haven’t quite returned to that top-five defensive form yet this year, the foundation is still there. And once they lock back in on that end - especially with their length and versatility - this is a team that can win in multiple ways.
Injuries have long been an unfortunate subplot for the Magic, but so far this season, they’ve managed to avoid the worst of it. Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac - both of whom have dealt with extended injury absences in the past - have stayed relatively healthy. That’s a huge plus, especially for a team that leans so heavily on its defensive identity.
Currently, only Banchero and Moritz Wagner are on the injury report, and both are expected back soon. Their return should only bolster an offense that’s already trending in the right direction.
Bottom line: the Magic are growing up. They’re learning how to win games even when key pieces are missing.
They’re developing young talent while staying competitive in a stacked Eastern Conference. And if this recent stretch is any indication, they’re not just a feel-good story - they’re a legitimate threat.