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Where Has Orlando’s Magic Gone?

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Mack Baltes | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 3:24 PM ET

On Wednesday, the Orlando Magic were outscored by eight or more points in three of four quarters en route to a 19-point defeat, losing to the Detroit Pistons. This marks their fourth straight defeat of the season after taking down the Miami Heat to begin the year. Having made notable additions in the offseason, many expected the Magic to begin the season much stronger.

Early Season Struggles Continue For Orlando Magic

After scrapping their way to a 41-41 record and playoff berth last season, the Magic made big moves in the offseason.

The most significant was their trade for wing Desmond Bane, which required Orlando to give up Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four first-round picks and a first round pick swap. To help mitigate the loss of Anthony, Orlando agreed to sign veteran point guard Tyus Jones to a one-year deal and drafted Jase Richardson 25th overall. With starting point guard Jalen Suggs returning from knee surgery, the Magic’s backcourt seemed to be all set.

A 4-0 preseason run had many expecting Orlando to run the table in the East. Apart from last year’s one-seed Cleveland Cavaliers and three-seeds New York Knicks, the conference seems to be wide open. Achilles injuries to both Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, both of whom were leaders on teams expected to go deep into the playoffs this upcoming season, have already left their respective teams reeling.

That said, the Magic’s new acquisitions haven’t had much success early on.

Ball-Movement Is Key, Chemistry Is King

Franchise stars Franz Wagner (22.4) and Paolo Banchero (23.0) are each averaging over 22 points per game. Bane has added 17.6 points per game. Yet, despite their Big Three averaging 63.0 points per game combined, the Magic are still missing something.

Oct 29, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; A fan in a Ninja Turtle costume gestures as Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) shoots a free throw in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Most noticeably, chemistry and ball-movement are serious issues for Orlando. Through five games, they rank 29th (out of 30) in assists per game (21.0). Assists go hand-in-hand with taking care of the ball, which Magic haven’t done well with either, averaging 17.4 turnovers per game. That mark ranks 27th in the NBA (30th in the East). Suggs has been the most to blame, averaging 3.0 turnovers per contest.

A failure to take care of the basketball has certainly prohibited Orlando from scoring to their potential. As it stands, they sit 22nd in points per game (122.6) after five games. Poor shooting from beyond the arc doesn’t help this fact either, as the Magic have the league’s third-worst 3-point percentage (.312) from deep.

Getting The Defense Back On Track

Lastly, and most surprisingly, their defense hasn’t been great either.

The Magic’s defensive rating (118.5) to begin the season sits at 22nd in the league, as opposed to second place last year, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder. They’ve allowed over 120 points in three games this season, including back-to-back games allowing 135 points or more. A decrease in chaos and event creation has been part of their demise defensively. For example, Orlando ranked sixth in that steals per game (8.9) and deflections per game (17.7) lasy season. This season, they’re averaging 6.4 steals per game (28th in the NBA) and they’re dead last in deflections (12.2 per game).

The Last Word On The Orlando Magic’s Early Season Struggles

Although the Magic’s early season struggles have been surprising, it’s way too soon to write them off. Given their defensive prowess last season, they are talented enough to right the ship in that regard. If the defense is able to get on track and Bane’s integration into the offense accelerates, the Magic can still contend for a finish in the top half of the Eastern Conference. In the meantime, they’ll hope to break their losing streak tonight on the road against the Charlotte Hornets.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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