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5 Orlando Magic matchups that will one day be must-see TV

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Paolo Banchero turned in a historic rookie debut for the Orlando Magic. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Paolo Banchero turned in a historic rookie debut for the Orlando Magic. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 03: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves steals the ball from Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center on February 03, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 127-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 03: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves steals the ball from Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center on February 03, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 127-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

5 Orlando Magic matchups that will one day be must-see TV

Minnesota Timberwolves

Jan. 9 at Orlando (7P)
Feb. 2 at Minneapolis (8P)

The Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves will always be connected. The two teams entered the league the same season for the 1989-90 season. Their histories have diverged and there has not been much of an on-court connection.

But it is always there.

And right now, for maybe the first time in the franchise’s history or since both teams had Kevin Garnett and Tracy McGrady, both teams have young stars growing at roughly the same trajectories. Both fan bases are extremely excited for what the future holds.

This offseason and the FIBA World Cup have continued the coming out party for Anthony Edwards. The No. 1 pick in the 2020 Draft averaged 24.6 points per game and doubled down on that by averaging 31.6 points per game in the series against the Denver Nuggets.

That has carried over to the summer where he is the unquestioned leading scorer for the United States. His 34-point performance against Germany was a downright impressive game even if it was just an exhibition.

The Timberwolves pushed their chips in by acquiring Rudy Gobert last summer. They are still viewed as the potential team on the rise in the Western Conference and Edwards is a big reason why.

If there is a young star — and an American star at that — that should get national attention right now, it is Edwards. He is going to be part of the cadre of future stars that will be the face of the league after LeBron James and Stephen Curry’s playing days are done.

So why is Minnesota on national TV only 10 times?! They are not on NBATV until Dec. 20 and they do not pop up on ESPN or TNT until Jan. 18 vs. Memphis (a great game featuring two young and up-and-coming teams).

The Magic have some rights to complain but they are unproven. The Timberwolves have proven themselves with postseason appearances in each of the last two years and a budding star player who deserves to be featured.

This is probably the Magic’s future in the national spotlight too. Even when Paolo Banchero makes his way onto the national stage as an All-Star and even when the Magic make the playoffs, they are probably going to need to prove themselves again to get the national recognition they probably deserve.

You can see why so many mid-sized markets complain. They are playing a rigged game.