On the second part of the thirty-sixth episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, XJ dives into the Magic’s six-game win streak and how they’ve managed it without All-Star Paolo Banchero. The answer? Franz Wagner.

XJ breaks down Franz’s emergence as an early-season MVP candidate and All-NBA-level player, using data to show how he’s elevating the Magic on both ends of the floor. From elite playmaking to defensive dominance, Franz is doing it all—and it’s not just him.

The Magic’s lockdown defense including Jalen Suggs' disruptive play, and the impact of underappreciated newcomers like KCP are shaping Orlando into a legit force in the East. But can they sustain this success, and what happens when Paolo returns?

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