2 min read • December 14, 2024
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The Orlando Magic have been one of the surprise teams in the Eastern Conference over the last two seasons. Finishing fifth in the conference standings last season and winning the Southeast Division, they also boasted the league's second-best defensive rating. Expectations were high for this season, and the Magic started strong, winning three of their first five games. Returning All-Star Paolo Banchero picked up right where he left off, delivering stellar performances and improving on last season’s averages with 29 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Unfortunately, his season took a sharp turn when he sustained a torn oblique, an injury initially downplayed but later revealed to be serious. Banchero was ruled out indefinitely, leaving a major void in Orlando's lineup.
Without their young All-Star, the Magic stumbled, losing their next four games as they struggled to adjust. However, the injury presented an opportunity for Franz Wagner, one of the team’s other emerging stars, to step up. Wagner began to find his rhythm, averaging 20 points and five assists per game during the losing streak. His leadership and growing confidence became the foundation for an impressive turnaround. The Magic rebounded with a remarkable stretch, winning 13 of their next 16 games. During this run, Wagner looked every bit like Orlando’s next All-Star, raising his averages to 27.6 points and 6.6 assists per game while leading the team to unexpected success.
The good times, however, were short-lived. Franz Wagner suffered a torn oblique on December 6th in a manner eerily similar to Banchero's injury, playing through it initially before further testing revealed the extent of the damage. Like his teammate, Wagner was ruled out indefinitely. Losing both young stars in a little over a month could have been a devastating blow for most teams, but the Magic have proven to be anything but typical. Their defensive tenacity has allowed them to remain competitive despite these setbacks, maintaining the third-best defensive rating in the league and holding onto the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference standings after 27 games.
Paolo Banchero has hinted at a potential return by Christmas, though he has yet to be re-evaluated and has already missed 21 games. His availability will depend on how well he responds to ongoing treatment. Meanwhile, Wagner is expected to be re-evaluated in four weeks. With the Eastern Conference relatively weak this season, the Magic have the luxury of exercising caution in managing the recovery of their two young stars. Their depth and defensive identity have kept them afloat, providing hope that the team can remain in playoff contention even in their absence.
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