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 searching for energy in loss to Milwaukee Bucks
Jan 15, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) drives for the basket between Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) and guard Ryan Rollins (13) during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch/Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic are not whole. It is important to remember that.
Injuries have gutted the roster and given Jamahl Mosley few options to correct things or try things when something is not working. The margin for error is small – the team has acknowledged how small it is – and bad games by the wrong players can have disastrous results.
That is what happened in the Magic’s 122-93 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
Orlando saw its star Paolo Banchero struggle to process and break down the defense with seven turnovers in his third game back from a two-month absence with a torn right oblique. The Magic could not find another player to step up their scoring. There was no other way for the team to get into the paint.
And so the Magic settled for threes. They went 12 for 46 from three and scored only 32 points in the paint. The Bucks had 54 points in the paint.
With the Magic battered with injuries and unable to find their energy, their poor shooting was on full display. That is no surprise. Only the result and the effort were surprising. This was not Magic basketball.
“That wasn’t our standard,” coach Jamahl Mosley said. “That wasn’t Orlando Magic basketball. Not even close. We’ll have to talk about it and figure out what it was that didn’t allow it to be that but it wasn’t Orlando Magic basketball. The great part about this group is they always find a way to bounce back.”
Both Mosley and Wendell Carter simply described Wednesday’s game as a “butt-whooping.” Games like that happen in the league – it was just the fifth game this season where the Magic lost by more than 20 points, although there were a few late rallies that prevented blowout losses.
It does not make them easier to digest. And a recent poor showing against the Utah Jazz now gives some pattern to regular energy-less games. This is a team that uses its energy to cover up for its weaknesses. And the team could not overcome them.
The question then becomes what does this all mean?
Milwaukee pulled ahead of Orlando in the standings with three games in hand. The Bucks likely hold an actual one-game lead for the 4-seed and they have now clinched the season series.
The Magic have now lost seven of their last 11 games and have not won consecutive games since Christmas. There is a reason Orlando has fallen back to the pack – leading the Indiana Pacers by 0.5 game for fifth and leading the 7th- and 8th-seeded Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks by one game at 21-19 – the Magic are now 23-19.
Orlando’s injuries have gutted the team and slowed their roll. This is a team running out of steam as it tries to climb uphill constantly.
The Magic have been here before though. Orlando similarly lost nine of 14 games after Christmas last year to fall to 22-20 as injuries and illnesses gutted the team. The Magic were eight in the East at that time.
Orlando recovered from all those injuries and rallied to get to the fifth seed. Every team has their low points in the year. This is as low as the Magic have been this season.
That does not make anyone feel better today. Orlando did not play its style or anything close to it in the loss to the Bucks. The Magic felt overwhelmed by the absences and injuries they are facing.
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
I only get to write this column once per week, so while we’re still technically a game or two short of the halfway marker for most teams, I’m here with some second-quarter awards anyway!
These are honors for the second quarter and second quarter only; they aren’t predictive. Word count limitations mean I have no margin for a longer introduction. You get it.
Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
When it comes to analyzing defense, it isn’t fair to lump wings and guards with bigs; it’s like comparing a sports car to a heavy-duty pickup truck when you can only buy one vehicle. Instead, I split Defensive Player of the Quarter into interior and perimeter editions.
My Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter won’t shock: it’s Victor Wembanyama. I could throw a bunch of advanced analytics at you to prove the case, but instead, I’d ask that you join me in prayer: Holy mother of basketballs, protect your children from the harm Wembanyama inflicts upon them.
Ok, fine, here’s one fun, if basic, number. In the season’s second quarter, Wemby had an outrageous 69 blocks. That’s 30 more than second-place Myles Turner, despite the fact that Turner played in three more games. Let’s not waste time here.
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.
Injury Orlando Magic’s Goga Bitadze has been placed in the concussion protocol and will miss Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. This absence may impact the team’s rotation and performance. Concussion protocol details are crucial for fans and analysts alike. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview Fans can catch the Orlando Magic taking on the Milwaukee Bucks this Wednesday. Learn how and when to watch the game, including key details about the broadcast. Don’t miss this exciting matchup! Watch the game for all the action. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Despite their relentless effort, the Orlando Magic’s weaknesses are still evident. Analyzing the team’s performance reveals areas that need improvement to achieve better results. Team weaknesses are a focus for future development. (Orlando Magic Daily)
Trade Every NBA team’s dream and realistic trade targets for the 2025 deadline are discussed, including options for the Orlando Magic. Strategic acquisitions could shape the future of the franchise. Trade targets are essential for long-term success. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis The 2021 NBA re-draft highlights how Franz Wagner could challenge Cade Cunningham for the top spot, showcasing the Orlando Magic’s keen eye for talent. Franz Wagner is a standout in this re-evaluation. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Nick Richards Traded to Phoenix Suns: Fantasy Basketball Impact and Analysis
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. While not a blockbuster deal, this move has significant implications for fantasy basketball managers.
In exchange for Richards, the Hornets received Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, while the Suns also got a second-round pick in return. At first glance, it might seem like the Suns got a steal, but let’s take a closer look at what this means for Richards’ fantasy value.
Richards has been averaging 21 minutes per game this season, putting up 9 points and 7.5 rebounds with 1.2 blocks. These numbers have him ranked 205th in category leagues, which is far from impressive. However, the change of scenery could potentially boost his value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Magic podcasts.
NBA East Squad: Can Defense Save the Orlando Magic Season? The Locked On NBA East Squad panel debates the Orlando Magic’s offensive woes, noting their league-worst three-point shooting percentage and discussing potential trade options to improve their offense without sacrificing their defensive identity. (470)
Orlando Magic hit a road block in their recovery in double OT loss to Miami Heat The Orlando Magic are feeling more whole with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner back and now Goga Bitadze back in the lineup. But after prolonged absences, they are all still working their way back into playing shape and regaining chemistry with their roster.
Orlando Magic’s Star Duo: Banchero and Wagner’s All-Star Potential The Orlando Magic’s stars in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner stepped up to lead the Magic to a win over the Detroit Pistons. They took over the game.
