Orlando Magic: 3 Starting Lineup Predictions for the 2022 Season

Potential Orlando Magic starting lineups

The Ideal Lineup

Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Terrence Ross, Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter

The chances you see this lineup at the season opener is very low. There is no official timetable on Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac’s return. But one can expect to see this lineup sometime this season.

In theory, it is pretty devastating. Both Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs are reliable, versatile and active defenders. They are capable of locking down guards even if the matchup proves unfavorable.

Fultz is still working on his shooting. But after last year, he showed semi-reliable mechanics and the willingness to let it fly from deep.

While his summer league stint was short, Suggs showed the offensive creativity that made him such a desirable two-way guard in the draft. While he did shoot an underwhelming 41.5-percent from the field and only made five of his 14 3-point attempts, he showed enough.

Let’s not forget about his athletic blocks. I do not know about you but they got me out of my seat.

Suggs probably has the most shooting potential of the bunch and would be the best pairing alongside Fultz.

Until the Magic are able to find a reliable 3-and-D wing who fits the framework of the roster, Terrence Ross will have to do.

Most known for his ability to unleash a barrage of threes, Ross is susceptible to poor decision-making and is mostly a negative on the defensive end. In theory, the rest of the lineup will be able to cover up for Ross’ defensive setbacks while Ross can supply the necessary scoring. It seems as though Ross is better suited to come off the bench for spark plug scoring.

There is really no question at the 4.

Barring any setbacks, Isaac will and should start. Even though Chuma Okeke had an excellent rookie year, he is not as versatile on the court. Sure. We have not seen Isaac play in almost two years, but the potential is undeniable. He will provide instant defensive pressure both on the wing and in the paint.

I like Wendell Carter at the starting 5. He is more reliable and consistent than Mohamed Bamba and while shooting is not his strong suit, Wendell Carter has the tools to be an impact player.

Even with the signing of Robin Lopez and Moritz Wagner, Wendell Carter provides more defensively than both. He also led the team last year in offensive boards. This unlocks more opportunities for the rest of the squad.

And on Suggs’ surprising ability to grab rebounds, the Magic may be in a good spot to capitalize off of second-chance points.