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Orlando Magic 2025-26 projected starting lineup, Desmond Bane helps turn them into contenders

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 7:00 PM ET

The Orlando Magic made a big swing this offseason and are looking to compete for an NBA championship for the first time since 2011.

The Orlando Magic have done a stellar job of rebuilding their franchise in the 2020s. After moving previous stalwarts like Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic, the Magic front office got to work.

Back-to-back draft successes in Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero have given the Magic a solid star foundation, one they can build around.

And this offseason, they have decided to go all-in. This summer, the Magic traded for Desmond Bane, addressing their desperate need for a solid three-point shooter.

It has been a long time coming, but the Orlando Magic are ready to make a push for the NBA championship.

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2025-26 Orlando Magic projected starting lineup

The Orlando Magic have provided head coach Jamahl Mosley with a stellar roster over the years, and he can put together a strong team.

This is what the Magic’s lineup will look like:

Starting Lineup	Second Unit
Jalen Suggs	Anthony Black
Desmond Bane	Tyus Jones
Franz Wagner	Jonathan Isaac
Paolo Banchero	Moe Wagner
Wendell Carter Jr.	Goga Bitadze

For the Magic, they simply replaced Kentavious Caldwell-Pope with Desmond Bane, providing a much-needed upgrade at the two-guard spot.

The Magic also have some other young stars they can rely on next season, including rookies Jase Richardson, Noah Penda, and third-year NBA star Tristan Da Silva.

Orlando Magic looking to capitalize on weakened Eastern Conference

For the Orlando Magic, their elevation to contender status couldn’t have come at a better time for them.

Because of the injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum, both the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers are unlikely to compete for an NBA championship next season.

With the top of the East now significantly thinner, with only the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks remaining as top players, the Magic timed their ascension to the upper echelon perfectly.

The Knicks, Cavaliers, Magic, along with the Atlanta Hawks will be the cream of the crop in the Eastern Conference. The question now is – can the Orlando Magic make it out of the East and reach the NBA Finals?

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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