The Orlando Magic’s seven-game homestand is now in the books, with the team going an underwhelming 3-4 during their extended stay at home. There were certainly a number of highs, and beating opponents of the caliber of the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns is always cause for celebration.
But there were also puzzling lows, not to mention the absence of Paolo Banchero for the last four games with an ankle sprain.
To win two games without him demonstrated a commendable team effort the Magic will need if they are to transition toward play-in hopefuls. To then lose the next two without Banchero served to highlight how much they rely on him offensively already.
This homestand was a strange one, and the overriding feeling right now is of a missed opportunity to get some wins on the board.
Neither Markelle Fultz nor Jonathan Isaac made an appearance, although Gary Harris looks to be closer to returning to the court (eds. note: The Magic have officially listed him as AVAILABLE for Friday’s game).
Second-unit players like Mo Bamba continued to make their case for more minutes, while Chuma Okeke is one of the few who can go back out on the road again feeling happy with the last seven games.
His role increasing in small doses, but with management and fans alike both recognizing that good things are now happening more consistently when he is on the court. There is plenty more to get to, so let’s take a look at the three overarching themes of the time spent by the Magic in the Amway Center.