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.
Orlando Magic discovering a path to victory?
Nov 6, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images|Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic are finally coming home. After a winless road trip, the team has more questions than answers following Paolo Banchero’s injury last week. The team has struggled to find its footing.
It has, at times, felt like a win was still far away.
There is no changing the Magic lost Wednesday – 118-111 to the Indiana Pacers in what could still be an important game by the end of the season. There is no changing that the Magic had ample opportunities to win Wednesday and failed to make critical shots or get critical stops to get over the hump. There is no changing that the Magic struggled to open the game, having to rally from 18 down.
Wins and losses matter.
But in the process, the Magic may have found something. In the process, the Magic may have found a path to win. A path they can replicate and walk that will help them steady the ship.
In many ways, Orlando knows this path. It knows what it has to do to win.
It starts on defense. The Magic did not play a great defensive game Wednesday. But the best moments of the game came when they buckled down defensively.
There was no close game without holding the Pacers without a field goal for more than four minutes, erasing an 11-point deficit and getting it down to two points.
But the Magic, despite statistically looking like a strong defense once again, have major lapses. The Pacers shot better than 50 percent for the game. They made 10 of their first 12 shots in the fourth quarter to pull away and build an 11-point lead.
Defense remains the key to any success the Magic might have. That was clear Wednesday.
Most of the attention though is on the offense. It has been abysmally ad for the last week. And the Magic again shot 7 for 25 from three (28 percent). The three-point shot did not bail Orlando out.
But the Magic still were effective offensively. They got downhill and forced pressure on the rim with 70 points in the paint and 26 free-throw attempts. After two straight games struggling to finish around the rim, the Magic, and particularly Franz Wagner, made it a point to get to the basket and score.
That led the Magic to post a 115.6 offensive rating. That will win most games for the Magic. That is the kind of offense they need.
This is a lot of the same formula the team used last year. The Magic’s whole strategy has been about dominating the paint. That is not something the team has done effectively this year as they have tried to increase their 3-point volume.
This is all just a silver lining. A hope for the team moving forward after a difficult road trip.
The Magic need that confidence and hope to move forward. They need to know what is possible.
It is impossible to predict the Magic scoring 70 points in the paint. They will need 3-point shooting. And their defense has to be significantly better and more consistent.
Orlando’s margin for error is still small. One slip-up in a small area can have major consequences. It had major consequences in Wednesday’s loss.
But there was also a path for the team to move forward. And maybe that will count for something.
We’re about 10% of the way through the season, which means we’ve seen enough of the rookie class to make iron-clad judgments on them that will never change. First impression, last impression.
Kidding, of course; sample sizes are still small, and both we and the debutants themselves are learning a ton. Watching this class take their first baby-giraffe steps in the league has been a blast, so I’ve selected four rookies worth discussing.
1) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s performance has been predictably up-and-down. On the one hand, he’s started to figure out how to defend without fouling. After infamously fouling out in just 15 minutes in his NBA debut, Edey hasn’t accrued more than three infractions in any of his last six games (although he did pick up three in just 15 minutes last night). Opponents are shooting just 55.6% against him at the rim, a better number than Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert, and they take fewer attempts at the rim when he’s on the court. There’s a slight deterrence factor already at play.
Edey had a game where he went 11-for-12 from the field, but most of his damage has been done on putbacks and dump-offs. He has only generated 13 points on his 21 post-up possessions, a terrible mark, and his beloved hook shot has abandoned him.
Most peculiarly, a man I predicted might lead the league in screen assists has not been nearly as impactful a screener as I expected. Part of that is the Grizzlies leaning a bit away from the pick-and-roll-centric attack they’ve heavily featured in the past, and part is on some junior-high-school-level chemistry with Ja Morant (see here, where Edey whiffs on the screen and then can’t get to the lob quick enough). That said, he’s already mastered the rolling Gortat screen, a key tool for creating space for Morant. Now, he just needs more reps.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Personnel Owen Phillips of The F5 examines whether a coach can translate their styles between different teams. For example, what trends and principles has Kenny Atkinson instilled in the Cavaliers that we first saw in his Nets tenure?
Analysis ESPN’s Kevin Pelton looks at some early trends, such as the impact Jeremy Sochan’s injury might have on Victor Wembanyama’s offense, the Thunder defense, and more.
Must Read Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of the Score have 10 observations on the young season, including a look at the Bulls’ blistering pace, KAT’s defensive issues, and much more.
Rumor Could Karl-Anthony Towns already be on the move again? Bleacher Report looks at potential trade rumors, including how the newest member of the Knicks could possibly head to Orlando.
Analysis “Paolo is that guy now.” The 21-year-old star is getting high praise from NBA experts and fans around the league, including The Ringer’s Bill Simmons. (The Sporting News)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Zaccharie Risacher’s Big Night Brings Fantasy Basketball Questions
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In the world of fantasy basketball, player performances can fluctuate wildly, and Wednesday’s games were no exception. While Zach Edey had previously dazzled fans with a standout performance against the Nets, his recent outing was less than stellar. Facing tougher competition, Edey managed just eight points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes. This game served as a reminder that while Edey has potential, consistency is key, and fantasy managers should be cautious about overcommitting to him based on a single strong performance.
On the flip side, Zaccharie Risacher delivered a performance that turned heads and could have significant fantasy implications. Starting for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher exploded for 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. His shooting was on point, and he contributed across multiple categories, making him a hot commodity in fantasy leagues. With De’Andre Hunter still sidelined, Risacher’s role in the starting lineup seems secure for now, and his ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
Risacher’s breakout game highlights the importance of monitoring player roles and opportunities. While his previous performances were inconsistent, this game showcased his potential when given the chance. Fantasy managers should consider adding Risacher, especially if he continues to see significant minutes and usage.
As always, staying updated on player performances and team dynamics is crucial for fantasy success. Keep an eye on how these players develop in the coming games, and adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly. For more insights and analysis, be sure to follow the latest episodes of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Magic podcasts.
Eastern Conference is giving Orlando Magic time to recover | Big issues are being revealed Can the Orlando Magic overcome their offensive woes? The Magic, currently 3-5 and sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, face significant challenges with their offensive game, ranking 29th in offensive rating.
Orlando Magic’s shooting issues + bench struggles: A challenge beyond Paolo Banchero’s absence The biggest question the Orland Magic face after their loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder centers on the simplest thing in basketball -- their shooting. A dismal 5-for-34 performance from three is holding the team back from measuring any progress as they find their footing without Palo Banchero.
How Orlando Magic can rediscover joy without Paolo Banchero Can the Orlando Magic find their rhythm without Paolo Banchero? With their star player sidelined, the Magic are grappling with an identity crisis, struggling to maintain their signature joy on the court.
