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I'm doing this with newly acquired KD and Desmond Bane

KD is clearly a better player but in a probable better conference.

Both players were added to desperately needing offense.

Magic, but only because they are in the East.

Magic.

They are in the East. Is it wide open especially with the major injuries across the conference.

Orlando has a better path to going deeper just due to conference affiliation, but Houston has the better roster.

Actually thinking about it, they're very comparable. If Franz and Paolo take a leap in efficiency, it's a no-contest. I don't think Houston's young guys are ready to be All-NBA level players yet (in Sengun or Amen), but the potential is there. With his handles, although I know he's working very hard this summer on it, Jabari Smith can stop out at making an all-star team maybe once. If Jabari improves his handles though, then I will have to re-visit this yet again.

I lean towards Houston with a higher ceiling.

Probably depends on the opponents. But whatever, just a few years ago both of them were the two worst teams in the NBA.

I'd say the Magic. The East is now wide open due to all the Achilles injuries and they just got much better in the shooting department while remaining a good defensive club.

No more excuses. This team needs to take a major step forward in '26.

the team that plays in the east.

if both teams played in the same conference, i'd have them about equal or small edge to orl depending how their young guys progress, whether they stay healthy, and how bane fits. but given that orl is in the east its not even close.

there are legit 10 really good teams in the west next season. its going to be even worse than it was this past season. based on what we know today at least, there is not gonna be any "good" bracket when we get to the playoffs. even the 7 and 8 seeds are likely going to be really good teams. might even be the rockets themselves.

If Magic can stay healthy in East, their path is easier.

Plus, KD is a nice upgrade but he is 37 and needs to survive the regular season for playoff season.

I think an interesting question would be where would they finish if they switched conferences.

Suggs 24
Bane 27
Franz 23
Paolo 22
Wendell 26

Black 21
Richardson 19
Penda 20
Isaac 27
Goga 25

Moe Wagner 28
Da Silva 24
Houstan 22

FVV
Amen
KD
Jabari
Sengun

Adams

I'm not sure who's on Houston's bench?


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DudetheObscure wrote:Magic, but only because they are in the East.

This is my thought process as well. I think Houston is the superior team and it wouldn't surprise me if they made it all the way to the WCF but the west playoff is going to be a gauntlet again I think when compared to the east.

Hot Take: Durant is washed up at times.

basketballRob wrote:Suggs 24
Bane 27
Franz 23
Paolo 22
Wendell 26

Black 21
Richardson 19
Penda 20
Isaac 27
Goga 25

Moe Wagner 28
Da Silva 24
Houstan 22

FVV
Amen
KD
Jabari
Sengun

Adams

I'm not sure who's on Houston's bench?


Sent from my SM-G998U1 using RealGM mobile app

Add Tari Eason, Reed Sheppard, Jae'Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday, Jock Landale, Cam Whitmore, and they have the full MLE to add another productive piece.

Rockets are the better team.

Magic are in a weak conference.

I have the Rockets going to the Finals. So I'd say them. But I think the Magic could make it to the Finals as well. But my guess would be 2nd round or ECF for the Magic this season.

I think Orlando has the overall better team at this point.

Houston had to give up good, rotation players to get KD.

Orlando had to give up draft capital.

Orlando could go to the finals.

basketballRob wrote:Suggs 24
Bane 27
Franz 23
Paolo 22
Wendell 26

Black 21
Richardson 19
Penda 20
Isaac 27
Goga 25

Moe Wagner 28
Da Silva 24
Houstan 22

FVV
Amen
KD
Jabari
Sengun

Adams

I'm not sure who's on Houston's bench?


Sent from my SM-G998U1 using RealGM mobile app

Tari Eason (24), Reed Sheppard (21) and Cam Whitmore (20) are on Houston’s bench. Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. are 22.

At least it would make for a cool rivalry between the two teams.l

This reminds me of that one thread before the season where people would have taken the Magic core over Houston's. Then the rockets became 2nd seed and the magic barely made the playoffs.

Didn't realize Orlando hype machine was this strong