The Orlando Magic are officially on the rise. Sitting at 8–7 and riding a
7–3 stretch over their last 10, this team has carved out an identity
that travels: physicality, pressure, and winning the possession battle.
They’re No. 1 in the NBA in free throws made (25.3) and attempted (31.7)
per game, bullying opponents into foul trouble and controlling tempo.
The three-point shooting (33.3%, 29th) still lags, and the pace isn’t
blistering, but their +1.9 Net Rating tells the story — they know who
they are, and they impose it nightly.
Franz Wagner: The Engine Behind the Surge
This is Franz Wagner’s team right now, and he’s proving he can carry
that load.
22.8 PTS • 6.4 REB • 3.8 AST in 35.9 MIN
7.3 FTA per game — elite foul pressure
83.5% FT — closing games with poise
He’s a three-level scorer who gets downhill at will, initiates offense,
and stabilizes the unit when everything bogs down. The Magic needed
someone to take ownership while Paolo Banchero heals.
Franz answered.
Desmond Bane: Steadying the Ship
Desmond Bane has quietly been the perfect co-star for Wagner:
16.9 PTS • 4.5 AST
92.2% from the line
Below-average 3PT% (31.5%) but still a reliable shot creator
His ability to handle secondary playmaking and defend helps balance the
roster, especially with Paolo out. He’s the adult in the room — poised,
physical, and resilient.
Surging Without Paolo Banchero
Paolo was putting up 21.7 PTS, 8.7 REB, 4.1 AST before a groin strain
sidelined him. Losing a centerpiece like that would sink most young
teams.
Orlando adapted.
They tightened the rotation, leaned into physicality, and let
Wagner/Bane dictate pace. The result? 7–3 over their last 10.
When Banchero returns, the ceiling jumps significantly.
The Supporting Cast is Delivering
This surge is powered by depth — something the Magic lacked in previous
years.
Wendell Carter Jr. — Mr. Reliable
53.8% FG • 44.2% 3PT • 67.2% TS
7.7 REB per game
He stabilizes the paint and gives them pick-and-pop spacing most teams
envy.
Anthony Black — Bigger Role, Bigger Impact
11.7 PTS
1.2 SPG
Emerging as a rangy defender and improving slasher.
Tristan da Silva — The Floor-Spacing Surprise
11.9 PTS
40.8% from three on 5.1 attempts
Orlando desperately needed shooting. Tristan filled that void
immediately.
Jalen Suggs — The Two-Way Spark Plug
12.5 PTS • 4.7 AST • 1.6 STL
51.7% FG • 67.2% TS
When Suggs is healthy, the Magic look like a different team. His
defensive pressure is elite.
The Bench Foundation
Goga Bitadze: 71.7% FG, 1.3 BPG — elite backup rim protector
Tyus Jones: steady veteran table-setter
Jonathan Isaac: defensive anchor in the second unit
Jett Howard / Noah Penda: developmental spot minutes
This roster finally runs 10-deep without collapsing.
Final Assessment
The Magic’s current run is not a fluke.
They’re winning despite missing a 20/8/4 star. They’re dominating the
free-throw line, playing physical basketball, and getting high-level
production top-to-bottom.
Franz Wagner’s leap is real. Desmond Bane is the perfect stabilizer. The
depth is delivering. And once Paolo returns…
Orlando becomes a legitimate playoff problem.
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