Philip Rossman-Reich here, the host of the daily Locked On Magic podcast, with your daily Locked On Magic newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Magic and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Simplicity is the key to Orlando Magic’s survival
Nov 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) looks to move the ball past Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images|Jerome Miron/Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic knew playing without Paolo Banchero would be difficult. Coach Jamahl Mosley made that fact plain when he said “it sucks” that Banchero is out There was no getting around it even though the games will inevitably continue and players have an opportunity to step up to the plate.
Figuring out their way to win is still the biggest challenge. And the first two games without Banchero have seen nothing but struggles.
The Cleveland Cavaliers blitzed the Magic on Friday for a 120-109 victory, that was not as close as the final score would indicate. The Magic were more energetic in the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks. But a 35-18 second quarter by the Mavs buried the Magic in a deep hole again heading to a 108-85 defeat.
The 85 points stood out. The Magic shot 33.3 percent and 19.5 percent from three (8 for 41). They buried themselves in a deep hole by missing shots. That drained their energy on defense. The team looked defeated.
The first two games without Banchero have been disheartening, to say the least.
Losses are one thing. Not competing is another.
The Magic have to find themselves again. They have to find their identity and joy in playing again. Those are essential characteristics of this team. They have been absent as the Magic come to grips with this reality.
Mosley has a difficult task ahead of him, to say the least.
The simplest solution to the team’s woes at this point is to make shots. The Magic have made 19 of 74 (25.7 percent) of their threes in the last two games. The Magic are taking more threes, as they should, but the misses have put them in a further bind.
The quality of those shots might also be different without Banchero to soak up defensive attention.
But the Magic need something more than just making shots. Orlando cannot play the same way it played with Banchero. The Magic need a new identity.
They need to get back to their basics. They need to focus on one thing they can do at an elite level and grow from there.
That should be their defense.
Banchero is an improved defender, but he is hardly a defensive stopper. The Magic have remained a strong defensive team in the rankings, ranking eighth in the league giving up 108.5 points per 100 possessions.
But things have felt off, even before Banchero’s absence. The Magic gave up 117.6 points per 100 possessions against the Cavaliers and 106.9 against the Mavericks on Sunday. They were not bad defensive efforts statistically, at least.
Of course, that includes fourth quarters that were blowouts and inconsequential to the result. The Magic have not been pleased with their defense to say the least. It has not lived up to its top billing.
If Orlando wants to reform itself and get back on track, it has to start with the central tenet of its identity. The Magic have to use their defense as the base for everything. Orlando certainly cannot let poor shooting affect the defense.
If that means the Magic are playing rock fights and low-scoring games, that might be their formula to win.
Orlando is fishing for something right now. It is clear in the lineups Mosley is throwing out on the floor and how he is trying to find a spark to create some energy.
For this team, that starts on defense. It is the simplest and easiest thing that this team can do to get right and give themselves a chance to win.
It is where everything must start for the team as they shift to this new reality.
Reflections from Vince Carter’s jersey retirement night
The Toronto Raptors retired Vince Carter’s jersey on Saturday night. The ceremony came during half time of the Raptors-Kings game, where an emotional Carter and his family watched a banner with his number and the iconic photo of him mid-between-the-legs-dunk rise up to the rafters in the arena it all started in for him. That moment marked a culmination. Of a career, of a person’s trepidatious relationship with a city and its fan base, of a distinct era of NBA basketball and identity of a franchise, but also of a month’s worth of moments for Carter.
The Raptors made the announcement at a community basketball court dedication to Carter in late September, where franchise president Masai Ujiri thanked Carter for all he did to inspire the game in Canada and put the Raptors franchise on the map. “Time heals things,” Ujiri told the crowd before he confirmed Carter would be the first player in team history to have their number retired. Carter was overcome and fought back tears as he thanked the crowd, Ujiri and the city.
The tributes continued. Carter had an airplane dedicated to him by one of the country’s major airlines, Air Canada, in a nod to his nickname of the same. A mural was unveiled in downtown Toronto, and it was announced Carter would join as a broadcaster to provide coverage for select games this season — also the Raptors 30th anniversary season.
Given the host of accolades and recognition, I found it telling when Carter sat down in front of assembled media prior to Saturday night’s game for a pre-ceremony presser, and said he wasn’t sure what to expect of the night but encouraged everyone to “live in the moment”. I asked him, in light of every tribute and celebration thus far, how he was doing that or if his perception of the moment changed. He laughed. “I’m fighting,” he admitted.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Biz The NBA intentionally scheduled no games on U.S. Election Day (E! News)
Analysis What happens to Damian Lillard if Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves the Bucks? (CBS)
Injury The Orlando Magic face challenges with key injuries impacting their performance, complicating their strategy and game plans. (Sports Illustrated)
Personnel Veteran guard and former Magic player retires, marking the end of a 14-year NBA career and impacting team legacy. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Orlando Magic’s recent road losses highlight defensive struggles and strategic adjustments needed for future success. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview Magic prepare for a formidable matchup against a reloaded Mavericks team, testing their resilience and adaptability. (Sports Illustrated)
Fans Orlando Magic’s fanbase expresses optimism and support despite recent losses, emphasizing loyalty and hope for improvements. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Paul George’s Return Is A Huge Fantasy Basketball Boost
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Brett Davis-Imagn Images
As we wrap up another thrilling week in the NBA, it’s time to delve into the latest injury updates and player performances that could impact your fantasy basketball strategy. With only three games on Sunday, the anticipation builds for an action-packed 15-game day. Let’s explore the key developments and what they mean for your fantasy lineup.
Injury Updates: Key Players to Watch
Zach LaVine’s shoulder issues continue to be a concern, leaving his status questionable. This ongoing problem could affect his availability, so keep an eye on updates. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert’s ankle sprain opens opportunities for Naz Reid and Luka Garza, especially in deeper leagues. With Aaron Nesmith out and Andrew Nembhard questionable, Ben Mathurin and Jarace Walker are set to see increased roles, potentially stepping into starting positions or gaining extra minutes.
Lauri Markkanen’s return from back spasms is imminent, which is great news for fantasy managers. In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s absence isn’t surprising, but Paul George’s expected return is a significant development. Despite being listed as questionable, reports suggest George is ready to play, albeit with a possible minutes restriction. This isn’t a long-term injury, so expect him to be back in full swing soon.
Player Performances: Who’s Stepping Up?
The Detroit Pistons secured a road win against the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing improved play compared to last season. Jalen Duren stood out with a solid performance, contributing 13 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. His increased minutes were partly due to Isaiah Stewart fouling out, but it’s a positive sign for Duren’s fantasy value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Magic podcasts.
Life without Paolo Banchero: How the Orlando Magic are carving their path to win Can the Orlando Magic thrive without Paolo Banchero? The Magic faced a tough challenge against the Cleveland Cavaliers, falling 120-109 in their first game without their injured star.
Paolo Banchero is out indefinitely: How the Magic keep their playoff hopes alive Paolo Banchero’s injury is a game-changer for the Orlando Magic. With a torn right oblique sidelining him indefinitely, the Magic face a significant challenge to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Anthony Black’s transformation is lifting the Orlando Magic Anthony Black’s clutch three-pointer against the Indiana Pacers has the Orlando Magic buzzing. This game-winning shot not only showcased his growth but also solidified his role as a trusted player for this growing young team.
