The Orlando Magic are one of the NBA’s ascending teams, having seen a steady improvement over the last three seasons. After winning just 22 games in 2021-22, the team climbed to 34 wins the next year before notching 47 wins and pushing the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round of the playoffs last season.
The expectations will be relatively high for this Magic squad. DraftKings Sportsbook has set the Magic’s win total at 47.5 for the upcoming season, signaling that Orlando’s rapid rise isn’t going unnoticed. Can they continue their upward trajectory and cement themselves as one of the East’s elite?
The offense will continue to run through Paolo Banchero, who impressed with 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game last season. His ability to improve his shot selection and decision-making will be key as he works to become more efficient in isolation and pick-and-roll.
Franz Wagner, after an unexpected dip in scoring efficiency in his third year, will need to return to form as the team’s secondary scorer. His ability to lead the offense in stretches and hit big shots could be the difference in the Magic taking the next step toward annual contention.
How Much Will the Magic’s Offense Improve?
Orlando’s growth has mirrored head coach Jamahl Mosley’s defensive emphasis. Last season, the Magic allowed just 110.8 points per 100 possessions, ranking third in the NBA after finishing 18th the previous year. A major reason for this improvement is the team’s frontcourt size and versatility, with Banchero and Wagner each standing 6-foot-10 and complemented by Wendell Carter Jr., Mo Wagner, and Jonathan Isaac.
This size and defensive capability have made Orlando a formidable opponent on that end of the floor. However, it puts a premium on shooting to space the floor. To make the leap into top-four contention, the Magic will need their offense to catch up with their suffocating defense.
A major bright spot for the Magic last season was Jalen Suggs, who finally stayed healthy and showed significant improvement. Not only does he remain a disruptive on-ball defender, Suggs improved his three-point shooting percentage to 39.7%, a sharp rise from his rookie year’s 21.4%, solidifying his role as the team’s starting point guard.
Suggs’ development as both a shooter and defender will be crucial for Orlando to balance its attack and relieve some of the playmaking pressure from Banchero. Meanwhile, the Magic have opted for stability in the backcourt, letting Markelle Fultz walk in free agency while keeping Cole Anthony in his bench role. Most importantly, the team also added Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a seasoned veteran with championship experience, who will bring reliable three-point shooting (36.9% career from beyond the arc) and strong perimeter defense.
Caldwell-Pope’s ability to knock down shots and guard multiple positions could give Orlando the edge in tight games and push them past their 47.5-win mark.
Can Magic Determine What’s Needed for Title Contention?
Orlando’s current roster construction suggests they are prepared to contend in the playoffs, not just make an appearance. The team’s defense, depth, and emerging star power make them well-suited to thrive in the regular season and potentially finish in the top half of the Eastern Conference. But with expectations rising, another first-round exit would be viewed as a step back for this young squad.
The Magic’s projected win total of 47.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook reflects their potential and steady improvement. With Banchero and Wagner leading the way, and key additions like Caldwell-Pope providing veteran support, Orlando is primed for another successful season.
If Suggs continues his upward trajectory and the offense becomes more efficient, the over looks like a reasonable bet. However, given the challenges of maintaining such a rapid pace of improvement, the under remains a possibility if the team struggles to balance its offense with its elite defense.
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