Orlando’s odds for a breakthrough season have surged as the Magic push all-in. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are poised to shoulder major scoring and playmaking load, while Desmond Bane arrives to relieve their heavy usage and unlock easier shots for both stars. The team still doesn’t have a traditional point guard, leaning on a collective ball-handling approach with Suggs, Black, and Tyson Jones in the wings. Wendell Carter Jr. anchors a defense that should improve with improved spacing and a more versatile offense. The rotation emphasizes shared creation, with Bane providing off-ball gravity, and a defense-first backbone that could turn into a postseason contender if health holds.

Fantasy angles center on burden sharing and role clarity. Expect Banchero and Wagner to keep heavy usage, but Bane’s shooting and playmaking should lift their efficiency and provide easier setups. Suggs shifts toward catch-and-shoot and secondary playmaking, while Black’s defense and pace push the pace and create transition opportunities. Wendell Carter Jr. remains the steadying force in the middle, with the bench providing surges from Wagner and Mo Wagner, and Cory Joseph stabilizing secondary units. The key season question: can Orlando turn depth into reliable rotation that sustains scoring without starving its top stars?

Al Horford's performance on the court remains strong, exemplified by his mid-range shooting and defense. The tension with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, stemming from a prior game, adds a competitive edge. Caldwell-Pope's unapologetic approach to his play style leads to discussions about the nature of fouls in the playoffs, particularly regarding the recent flagrant foul review. The officials determined that Caldwell-Pope's foul was a common one, highlighting the ongoing rivalry and physicality present in the playoffs.