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.
Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic still finding their poise
Dec 26, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) handles the ball in front of Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters/Mike Watters-Imagn Images
At the end of the Orlando Magic’s 89-88 loss to the Miami Heat on Thursday, the Magic had to search for answers. They had returned the favor to the Heat and collapsed in the fourth quarter. The frustration and desperation were written on their faces, the opposite of the poise and calm they displayed in their comeback win Saturday against this same Heat team.
On several occasions toward the end of the game, Jalen Suggs especially needed a moment to collect himself and be calm. That is a constant work for him. You see him take a deep breath at the foul line before shooting.
He takes losses hard, especially when the ball is in his hands. He felt the blame when his potential game-winning three was no good.
For better or worse, the Magic are taking their cues from Suggs. He is the team leader. He is the “star” on this team with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner out. Orlando needs Suggs to be level-headed.
He gives and he takes away.
Suggs was brilliant as the Magic built their early lead, going up by 17 in the first quarter on the strength of a 14-0 initial spurt. He was frustrating as things crumbled, committing four of his seven turnovers in the fourth quarter as the Heat gained confidence and ultimately won.
The Magic win or lose on Suggs’ shoulders. It is a responsibility he is still learning to carry.
“You are giving a team extra possession and extra chances to go down and score and also free stops,” Suggs said. “I don’t know, just handling the ball at being in actions coming out of there and giving them seven free possessions myself alone is inexcusable, to be honest, if you want to win games. That’s all I want to do, I want to win.”
The Magic still had their chance to win. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hit a big three and Goga Bitadze’s putback gave the Magic a one-point lead. Only for Tyler Herro to hit a tough pull-up shot over Trevelin Queen with 0.5 seconds left.
Orlando did not lose the game on that last-second shot. The team lost it on a 36-point second half where the offense cratered, unable to hit from three and get the same push to the basket the team got in the first half. It cratered in the Heat making 15 of 30 3-pointers in the game, getting makes from players the Magic were happy to take shots.
They lost it on 23 turnovers for 25 points, giving away possessions in a low-scoring game where Orlando struggled to shoot. Each one stung. Miami could make up for its turnovers (21 for 28 Orlando points) with that 3-point shooting.
The Magic’s margin for error is small.
That is why Orlando needs its composure more than anything else.
“We have to be locked in for 48 minutes,” Goga Bitadze said. “I’m not saying we were not. We’ve got to pay more attention to the game plan. I think we lost it somewhere and let them get those threes up. They hit a lot of threes. Our defense was pretty good. But some games they are going to make more shots.”
The Magic have impressed during this period without their star players. But it has always been a delicate balance. The Magic need a lot of things to go right.
The first part that has to go right is their poise. And that starts with Suggs.
Orlando cannot rein in his fire and intensity. But he still must use it the right way. And that is still a learning process for him.
Dec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) talk before the game at Chase Center. | Darren Yamashita/Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The ‘Things NBA fans get themselves worked up about’ category got a new entry this month, and it reached a fever pitch over the Christmas Day slate of games —ratings. Specifically, broadcast ratings.
It’s a subject Commissioner Adam Silver is often asked about in his pressers, especially those that precede the NBA’s tent-pole events like the In-Season Tournament, All-Star Weekend, the Finals, and Summer League. It also comes up around the annual Board of Governors meeting in early September. It makes sense for Silver to talk about it, given that he’s the league Commissioner, and because he’s been at the helm for broadcast contract negotiations and renegotiations. If this is all making your eyes cross, good, that helps to prove my point.
Silver, team owners, and broadcast executives are the only people who should care about the NBA’s broadcast ratings. It’s their job. Whether numbers are up or down should be of no concern to fans, casual or die-hard, because they ultimately have no bearing on the viewing experience, nor is it up to fans to “fix” anything.
Traditionally, this would’ve been self-evident, but in the contemporary era of fandom — especially NBA fandom — there’s a desire to critique and cosplay as team or league executives. Everything from down to the decimal point salary analysis in trade machinations, on-court performance and ways to improve athlete “production”, concerns for whether front offices are over-spending (they’re billionaires, they can afford it), and now, worries over marketing of the league.
Broadcast ratings are just one metric. The decline in “traditional” television ratings has more to do with how younger fans find and interact with basketball than with some phantom threat of malaise or disinterest. Cable is expensive, and younger audiences almost exclusively stream their sports. Case in point ESPN’s announcement on Christmas Day of an 84% spike in viewership, a day when many, many people head to their family home and have cable television to watch and plenty of free time on their hands.
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.
Injury Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero is making strides in his recovery from a torn oblique, now eight weeks post-diagnosis. His ongoing progress is crucial for the team’s future performance. Banchero’s progress remains a focal point for fans and analysts. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis The Orlando Magic’s high-energy playstyle, while sometimes chaotic, defines their identity and can be both a strength and a weakness. Their frenetic energy can lead to both spectacular plays and costly mistakes. Frenetic Energy is examined in-depth. (Orlando Magic Daily)
Ranking Bleacher Report ranks the 25 most incredible sports moments from the last quarter-century, showcasing significant achievements and unforgettable events. The list includes major milestones that shaped the sports landscape. Incredible Sports Moments are celebrated. (Bleacher Report)
Watch Teams need to keep an eye on surprise risers in the 2025 NBA Draft. These emerging talents could significantly impact team strategies and future performances. Identifying these players early is crucial. Draft Risers to watch for in 2025. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Knicks will face off against the Magic at the Amway Center at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Christmas Day Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Spectacular: Must-Adds and Droppable Players
Dec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (right) during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita/Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
As we celebrate Christmas Day, it’s time for a fantasy basketball waiver wire spectacular. Let’s dive into the most added players, must-roster options, and those you can consider dropping.
The most added player over the last 48 hours is Trayce Jackson-Davis. With two solid games in a row and increased minutes, he’s a no-brainer add for now. Keep an eye on his playing time, as anything over 22 minutes makes him worth rostering.
Noah Clowney is another intriguing addition. His shooting has improved from his college days, and he’s getting significant minutes due to injuries. While I’m not sure he’ll provide top-70 value, he’s worth a look in most leagues.
When it comes to must-roster players (under 50% rostered on Yahoo), consider these options:
1. Goga Bitadze: Despite a recent ankle sprain and ejection, his floor has risen significantly.
2. Ben Simmons: Roster him now and worry about potential issues later.
3. Yves Missi: While I’m skeptical about his role when the Pelicans are fully healthy, he should be rostered for now.
4. Bilal Coulibaly: After a cold streak, he’s regained his form and confidence.
5. Ayo Dosunmu: Although I have limited faith in his long-term upside, he’s a must-roster player for the time being.
On the flip side, there are some players you can consider dropping. Remember, “droppable” doesn’t mean you must drop them, but rather that it’s acceptable to do so if needed. These include Gradey Dick, Dennis Schröder, Onyeka Okongwu, Rui Hachimura, Jaden McDaniels, and Jaden Ivey.
Looking at hot players, Larry Nance Jr. has been impressive lately, ranking 40th over the last week. While I don’t expect this to hold long-term, he’s worth rostering for now. Other notable hot players include Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jake LaRavia, and Dean Wade.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Magic podcasts.
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Franz Wagner’s coming return gives hope to Orlando Magic’s offense Franz Wagner’s rapid recovery from his injury is a beacon of hope for the Orlando Magic as they navigate the NBA season. With the team ranking 27th in offensive rating, the return of key players like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero could be game-changing and lift their biggest weakness.
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