2025-2026 Preseason Game 1: Orlando Magic (0-0) v. Miami Heat (0-0) in Puerto Rico

[Idiosyncratic]

Hard not to get hyped watching the Jase highlights. He just moves different on offense and the shot is so pure. I'm not going to write him off when it comes to ever developing his handle to a PG level either.

Penda looks ready out of the box defensively, but from what I have seen he is going to need the game to slow down a bit for him on offense. Probably not a ton of minutes for him without a couple of injuries, but some G League and time with strength/conditioning coaches will be huge for him.

[Knightro]

I don't think Jase is a natural point guard at all, but I also don't think it matters all that much because his offensive efficiency - both as a scorer and a turnover avoider - is extremely real.

And even though he's short, he's a lot longer than a typical 6'1" player, so I don't think he's going to be complete BBQ chicken defensively either.

I feel like he might play for very long time in this league.

[Knightro]

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[dsg2021]

Loved the first look at our new jerseys! It was definitely the biggest highlight for me. I almost forgot about them any time the game went on too long without any TV break, but at the same time subconsciously feeling like this is the best version of the Magic jersey we’ve ever had.

And great to see the Magic invites and the Magic bench close out the game that the starters couldn’t really take a lead in. The numerous direct & indirect player connections to Puerto Rico were way higher than I thought, and the crowd was just as into the 2nd half for it (they are huge fans of their own Puerto Rican basketball league and National Team). I hope whoever fills the Magic bench has that dog in them to win even the meaningless games and the meaningless quarters this year. Like preseason invite player Beekman did in one top-of-the-key steal to reactions of the Magic bench cheering.


STARTERS OBSERVATIONS

Spoiler:

- Paolo looked very comfortable and smooth out there. He had like three blocks in pure Dwight Howard-emphatic style!

- WCJ looked more aggressive all around. He can get pushed around still, but he had more aggression both defending the paint and to take 3’s or react quicker from the close outs.


For being a 5/4 player, I would personally be very happy if he simply took his roughly full-ORL Career-to-date 1.0 3PM’s @ 33% and turned into like 1.8 3PM’s @ the same 33%. That’s a big difference to the team already. And that’s not even counting how he will use his IQ to attack or pass from close outs.
You look at a lot of the stretchier 5’s in the league and the difference between them and WCJ is never far off. 

I’m not allergic to the midrange either, if WCJ can find like two super hot midrange spots to give himself and the Magic a more confident in-between % look (@ like 44% or whatever).

- Desmond Bane is already looking like the most aggressive and confident Magic SG I have ever seen! Commanded touches and possessions. Commanded plays as a top 3 option. 

More specifically, Desmond is the first starter I’ve seen to drive and connect with WCJ on passes or clean-ups this much who wasn’t a player named Paolo, Franz, or Magic PG “who runs a 1/5 play option into the ground”. Even without Franz tonight, it started feeling like we have this true 3rd star type player on offense.

- Last season in his rookie campaign, TDS had high efficiency games quite often when playing WITHOUT many starter-level players next to him, but then unfortunately not nearly as often when having Magic starters WITH him. But after this winning Germany campaign, he immediately moved around and scored confidently early tonight as a starter on a 4th and 5th option.
I am always very high on him and I think he is going to be a serious threat for a top 6 impact on the Magic if he keeps his defense solid enough. I get the sense that he will be a very rich depth option to plug in as a starter whenever one of Paolo or Franz wants to rest or are Out with careful injury maintenance.

ROTATION OBSERVATIONS

Spoiler:

- AB was the first choice for backup point guard tonight in the 1st half, and probably the most aggressive driving Magic player in the 1st half too. The strong Heat defense had to meet his energy level. By the way, AB is STILL younger than many new rookies this year, AGAIN.

- Jase stood out the most in the 2nd half, but even his 1st half was still promising. In that 1st half, he got some surprising backup point guard run, and his misses were really on target, with one an “in-and-out miss” and another a “just-barely-short miss”. AB also missed an easy layup dunk in the 1st that would have given Jase one more Assist.
AB, Jase, and TDS are my highest potential youngsters on the team. And I still think Jase will make it into the regular rotation at some point, even as a rookie.

- Jett Howard was a bright spot in the 1st half for the bench offense. You always feel like his true 3P% is like 36% with a little more given game experience. He just needs the floor time somehow, and probably through defensive effort is the only way to get it.

THROWING IDEAS AT THE WALL

Spoiler:

- Do we have the talent level and the passing ability 1-8 to play to our best Matchups more directly and more often? For example, we looked good every time the ball touched TDS’s hand as the “weakest” starter against the Heat’s weakest or coldest defender hiding on him. It doesn’t have to be TDS iso scoring time either, just that the team system offense flows from these advantages and not really a point guard anymore.

- I don’t mind the “increase the pace” talk because it is the most generic talking point for every NBA team every year. But I really do hope the Magic don’t speed it up too much. I always get the sense they play their best as a slower pace, bullying type of team. It is less energy expenditure for the team in some ways as well, to keep that energy 60% into defense & rebounding, and 40% into a slower paced offense and game.

- With all that said, if I was Mosely, I’d still be giving new Associate Coach Prunty pretty much equal level of authority for the team offense. It will only make Mosely even more of an elite coach in the NBA. And every time I saw the Magic’s bench area, Prunty and Mosely were ALWAYS talking to each other. With Prunty always sitting right next to Mose and always covering his mouth with a paper like someone who has seen every movie about corporate espionage and lip-reading spies.

[pepe1991]

I thought Miami would be a playoff team before Herro got injured. I still think theyll be decent.

Dont know if thatll be in evidence tonight. Too early.

East is just painfully mediocre without serious contender. Probably worst East has been since 2002 and Lebron era.
Among Raptors, Hawks, whatever is left from Celtics, Bulls, Heat, leftovers of Pacers, crippled 76ers, painfully bad constructed Bucks, very overrated Pistons, somebody will end up with home court advantage by accident. But hopefully some among them are smart enough to throw white tovel on a season early on.

On top of that Hornets, Nets, Wizards are bound to suck. East vs West record will be hilarious. Probably biggest margin of wooping in history of a league.

Nets have legit chance at setting worst record ever. That team is gutted and filled with kids that aren't even that talented.

FFS Pepe, you said the same thing last year and the Pacers took the Thunder to 7 and might have won but for the Hali injury.

Sure the West overall is stronger but can we stop this stupid "why even bother" act with the east when only last season an untouted east team proved extremely competitive.

No reason why this year wont be the same.

Because Pacers shot crazy 39% for 3 during entire playoffs. Among 6 teams that did it since 2015-2025, 2 of them won titles, 3 went in finals. (among ones who passed at least 1st round).
At one point in playoffs they, as a team had 50% FG on 40% for 3 .

They were definition of getting hot in right moment. Also Pacers played ECF year prior, so it wasn't that shocking to see them go to finals. As for injury, vs Cavs, Cavs lost half of the team due injury, vs Pacers (where vs Knicks, title defenders lost their best player) So they had more than enough lucky breaks on their path.

At the end of a day last year played pretty much how most of us predicted. Finals just got more competitive than people expected,but endgame was still very predictable and expected.

As i wrote on GB, East doesn't have single true title contender. Some teams get that pedigree based on mathematical chances. East will give finalist because it has to, by default that team will have some mathematical chance at winning. And Pacers and Celtics, most proven ones, won't be there due injuries. So this "contender" status is slapped on teams that never showed any ability to beat great teams in playoffs and have massive flaws in their game and within roster construction.

What justifies Cavs contender status? They beat two mediocre teams in first rounds last two years and lost 4-1 in second rounds both times. BUT since teams that beat them (Celtics, Pacers) are no longer serious treat, they are now "best team on East" ?

[dsg2021]

Cramps? Jase not used to playing this many minutes?

Give that guy some gatorade

Jase rolled his ankle on a transition defense moment. That was the last of him for the night.

[TheChaser]

Well, I for one am pleased. We know we have a special starting line up, maybe even top 7-8, but damn we just might have gotten much deeper. Especially if Jett is legit.

[TheChaser]

Penda kinda reminds me of Dillon Brooks

I can see that.

[TheChaser]

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Bro, I know I’m late to the party, but I’m trying to get an X account going. What are some of the best Magic accounts to follow for either news or highlights like this?

[TheChaser]

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Love it!

[eyriq]

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Bro, I know I’m late to the party, but I’m trying to get an X account going. What are some of the best Magic accounts to follow for either news or highlights like this?

Here’s a list of 20 Orlando Magic-related X handles. These include official accounts, beat writers, fan sites, podcasts, and passionate fans posting updates, analysis, highlights, and team vibes:
1 @OrlandoMagic - Official team account with game scores, highlights, player updates, and exclusive content.
2 @OMagicHQ - Orlando Magic HQ, a fan site with news, podcasts, and detailed game breakdowns.
3 @OrlandoMagicDaily - FanSided’s Magic coverage with insider news, rumors, and in-depth analysis.
4 @beyondtheRK - Ryan Kaminski from Orlando Magic on SI, posting interviews, insights, and hot takes.
5 @WeltGawd - Popular fan account with humorous takes, game reactions, and player love.
6 @OMagicGuru - Warm takes, roster updates, and game commentary from a dedicated fan.
7 @Magic_PR - Official PR account for the Magic, sharing press releases and media updates.
8 @FoxSportsMagic - Fox Sports Florida’s Magic coverage with game recaps and video highlights.
9 @TheMagicInsider - Sports Illustrated’s Magic page for news, features, and player profiles.
10 @LockedOnMagic - Locked On Magic podcast with daily episodes on team news and strategies.
11 @PhilipRossman - Philip Rossman-Reich, lead editor for Orlando Magic Daily, posting analysis and updates.
12 @SixthManShow - The Sixth Man Show podcast, offering fan-driven discussions and game reactions.
13 @MagicPodSquad - Official Orlando Magic podcast account with player interviews and team insights.
14 @OMagicStats - Account focused on Magic stats, advanced metrics, and game data.
15 @PaoloBanchero - Official account of Magic star Paolo Banchero for player updates and personal posts.
16 @Franz_Wagner - Franz Wagner’s official account, sharing on- and off-court moments.
17 @Jonathan_Isaac - Jonathan Isaac’s account for player perspectives and Magic-related content.
18 @JalenSuggs - Jalen Suggs’ official handle with game-day posts and team spirit.
19 @TheMagicMaverick - Fan account with bold takes, memes, and Magic fandom energy.
20 @OrlandoMagicBR - Brazilian Magic fan account with game updates and community posts.

[TheChaser]

Read on Twitter

?t=GzEcUz2GD1LboPOHiqZexA&s=19

Bro, I know I’m late to the party, but I’m trying to get an X account going. What are some of the best Magic accounts to follow for either news or highlights like this?

Here’s a list of 20 Orlando Magic-related X handles. These include official accounts, beat writers, fan sites, podcasts, and passionate fans posting updates, analysis, highlights, and team vibes:
1 @OrlandoMagic - Official team account with game scores, highlights, player updates, and exclusive content.
2 @OMagicHQ - Orlando Magic HQ, a fan site with news, podcasts, and detailed game breakdowns.
3 @OrlandoMagicDaily - FanSided’s Magic coverage with insider news, rumors, and in-depth analysis.
4 @beyondtheRK - Ryan Kaminski from Orlando Magic on SI, posting interviews, insights, and hot takes.
5 @WeltGawd - Popular fan account with humorous takes, game reactions, and player love.
6 @OMagicGuru - Warm takes, roster updates, and game commentary from a dedicated fan.
7 @Magic_PR - Official PR account for the Magic, sharing press releases and media updates.
8 @FoxSportsMagic - Fox Sports Florida’s Magic coverage with game recaps and video highlights.
9 @TheMagicInsider - Sports Illustrated’s Magic page for news, features, and player profiles.
10 @LockedOnMagic - Locked On Magic podcast with daily episodes on team news and strategies.
11 @PhilipRossman - Philip Rossman-Reich, lead editor for Orlando Magic Daily, posting analysis and updates.
12 @SixthManShow - The Sixth Man Show podcast, offering fan-driven discussions and game reactions.
13 @MagicPodSquad - Official Orlando Magic podcast account with player interviews and team insights.
14 @OMagicStats - Account focused on Magic stats, advanced metrics, and game data.
15 @PaoloBanchero - Official account of Magic star Paolo Banchero for player updates and personal posts.
16 @Franz_Wagner - Franz Wagner’s official account, sharing on- and off-court moments.
17 @Jonathan_Isaac - Jonathan Isaac’s account for player perspectives and Magic-related content.
18 @JalenSuggs - Jalen Suggs’ official handle with game-day posts and team spirit.
19 @TheMagicMaverick - Fan account with bold takes, memes, and Magic fandom energy.
20 @OrlandoMagicBR - Brazilian Magic fan account with game updates and community posts.

Thanks eyriq! You’re the man.

[Audi]

Read on Twitter

?t=GzEcUz2GD1LboPOHiqZexA&s=19

Bro, I know I’m late to the party, but I’m trying to get an X account going. What are some of the best Magic accounts to follow for either news or highlights like this?

Here’s a list of 20 Orlando Magic-related X handles. These include official accounts, beat writers, fan sites, podcasts, and passionate fans posting updates, analysis, highlights, and team vibes:
1 @OrlandoMagic - Official team account with game scores, highlights, player updates, and exclusive content.
2 @OMagicHQ - Orlando Magic HQ, a fan site with news, podcasts, and detailed game breakdowns.
3 @OrlandoMagicDaily - FanSided’s Magic coverage with insider news, rumors, and in-depth analysis.
4 @beyondtheRK - Ryan Kaminski from Orlando Magic on SI, posting interviews, insights, and hot takes.
5 @WeltGawd - Popular fan account with humorous takes, game reactions, and player love.
6 @OMagicGuru - Warm takes, roster updates, and game commentary from a dedicated fan.
7 @Magic_PR - Official PR account for the Magic, sharing press releases and media updates.
8 @FoxSportsMagic - Fox Sports Florida’s Magic coverage with game recaps and video highlights.
9 @TheMagicInsider - Sports Illustrated’s Magic page for news, features, and player profiles.
10 @LockedOnMagic - Locked On Magic podcast with daily episodes on team news and strategies.
11 @PhilipRossman - Philip Rossman-Reich, lead editor for Orlando Magic Daily, posting analysis and updates.
12 @SixthManShow - The Sixth Man Show podcast, offering fan-driven discussions and game reactions.
13 @MagicPodSquad - Official Orlando Magic podcast account with player interviews and team insights.
14 @OMagicStats - Account focused on Magic stats, advanced metrics, and game data.
15 @PaoloBanchero - Official account of Magic star Paolo Banchero for player updates and personal posts.
16 @Franz_Wagner - Franz Wagner’s official account, sharing on- and off-court moments.
17 @Jonathan_Isaac - Jonathan Isaac’s account for player perspectives and Magic-related content.
18 @JalenSuggs - Jalen Suggs’ official handle with game-day posts and team spirit.
19 @TheMagicMaverick - Fan account with bold takes, memes, and Magic fandom energy.
20 @OrlandoMagicBR - Brazilian Magic fan account with game updates and community posts.

Add @NBA_University to the list - scholar of the game and I’m like 99% sure he’s a Magic fan.

[DiplomaticMagic]

I really hope JI can get back to his 2023-2024 defense, he looks in fantastic shape but still not seeing the elite defense. Im willing to give him some time, its only preseason but that has been my biggest worry last couple years.

Goga is another one, who just looks like he regressed big time. Definitely can see him being traded this year. Cant wait til Moritz is back.

I just dont see it with AB, he always plays scared on offense. And he still does. Wouldnt be mad if we packaged him later on. That draft was just a huge miss.

Jett actually looked decent today, he looks in shape and faster. Was also impressed with TDS, he looked quicker as well and just looks like an NBA player.

Jase is going to be our main back-up next season. Wish him and Tyus could play together, but that is too small.

[drsd]

Interesting box-score. Reece Beekman's line really stood out. He had a decent rookie year in the G-league and he has an NBA skill: he can shoot the rock.

Maybe he catches on with some team for a two-way slot. Certainly I think in a year or two, he will get an NBA contract.

[jezzerinho]

Because Pacers shot crazy 39% for 3 during entire playoffs. Among 6 teams that did it since 2015-2025, 2 of them won titles, 3 went in finals. (among ones who passed at least 1st round).
At one point in playoffs they, as a team had 50% FG on 40% for 3 .

They were definition of getting hot in right moment. what the hell is wrong with peaking at the right time?

Also Pacers played ECF year prior, so it wasn't that shocking to see them go to finals.
Sorry, Pacers were a contender or werent a contender? I thought the East had no contenders..Pepe, youre just being contrary and negative on purpose

As for injury, vs Cavs, Cavs lost half of the team due injury, vs Pacers (where vs Knicks, title defenders lost their best player) So they had more than enough lucky breaks on their path.

At the end of a day last year played pretty much how most of us predicted. Finals just got more competitive than people expected,but endgame was still very predictable and expected. No it wasnt. Pacers had a legit shot at winnimg before Hali got injured in Game 7. So no, the Finals certainly proved your theory that the West would crush the East to be dodgy at best.

As i wrote on GB, East doesn't have single true title contender. Some teams get that pedigree based on mathematical chances. East will give finalist because it has to, by default that team will have some mathematical chance at winning. And Pacers and Celtics, most proven ones, won't be there due injuries. So this "contender" status is slapped on teams that never showed any ability to beat great teams in playoffs and have massive flaws in their game and within roster construction.

What justifies Cavs contender status? They beat two mediocre teams in first rounds last two years and lost 4-1 in second rounds both times. BUT since teams that beat them (Celtics, Pacers) are no longer serious treat, they are now "best team on East" ?

Im not trying to identify who is capable of beating a West team in the finals. Im trying to point out that there likely will be someone competitive from the East, because its notnas behind as you allege. This season maybe , with the Celtics and Pacers affected, but even then good East teams will emerge and be competitive. Stop trying to kill everyones buzz ffs.

[pepe1991]

@jezzerinho



Move homer glasses off to see clear.

Celtics won title in 2024, Celtics went to ECF in 2023 and finals in 2022. They were by best best team East got. That is true contender. Only one.
Pacers went to ECF in 2024 and in finals in 2025. But on their path toward finals in 2025 this happened:
- Round 1: vs Bucks, Lillard blows his leg
- Round 2 vs Cavs: Mobley, Mitchell and Garland get hurt
- Round 3 vs Knicks, they play Knicks instead of Celtics , very same Celtics that swept them year prior in ECF and advance
- Round 4 vs OKC, all those lucky breaks backfire in game 7


It's not "problem" that Pacers shot 39% for 3, or at some point 50% FG & 40% for 3, it's how sporadic and unsustainable that, as formula was.

But Celtics and Pacers are both gone from contending picture, and what is there left?

Knicks and Cavs are held as contenders. But based on what?

Cavs never passed second round with current set of players.
Knicks went to one CF.

Like entire East, those teams are fundamentally flawed rosters that have massive issues within their playing stlye and roster construciton, that is why they can't even get that far on East, let alone win anything.

Knicks- depentent on 6'1 Brunson to go for hero -ball sequencs for almost entire 4th quarters, Towns is too bad of a defender to be trusted.
Cavs- play two centers and two ball dominant guards. One set of overlapping skills hurts their spacing, other hurts their defense.


Rest of East is even worst in terms of pure talent & roster construction.
Why i should pretend that Pistons are "here to stay" ? When my IQ, that is over 75, tells me that they were on pace for 38 wins until they gained lost Ivey and started Beasley? But now they unfortunately for them gained Ivey back but lost Beasley?

Why i should pretend that Bucks team with G league guard lineup but, with top 3 player in Giannis is somehow good team?


Why should I pretend that 76ers best two players aren't closer to retirement than serious basketball?

Why should i pretend that Raptors are doing anything smart? Ingram, Barnes, Quickley and Barrett? Those boys will need 4 balls to share floor.

On top of that Wizards, Hornets, Nets are 3 out of 4 least talented teams in nba.

So no, i won't pretend East is good, because this is least talented East has been since 2002 and Wade/ Lebron arrival.

Even by going off Ringers's top 10 players, ones that can actually play, only 3 of best players are on East ( Giannis, Brunson & Mitchell). Even expending list of top 20, only 7 are on East. Anybody without bias and pair of healthy eyes can see that West is far superior talent vise and team quality vise. Among top 6-7 teams, like 5 of them are on West.

We can argue here can Magic take advantage of such state of East and go to finals? Yes. No. Maybe. I don't know. Depending how much they can hide their problems once they face other teams in playoffs.

But at the end of a day i just won't entertain idea of team from East winning, because it ain't happening. For crying out loud, OKC last year went 29-1 vs teams from East

[zaymon]

Bane will hit a lot of 3s if teams will go under the screen. Its shocking but we had no one to do it last year.
Jase shot is fluid but he will have his struggles against lenght at the rim. He was easly blocked this game.
Good that he is crafty and have floaters opposed to Paolo who is not crafty and misses easy finishes (as always). If he can protect the rim like he had in first game i will have no problem with him being mainly a jump shooter and dunker.
Penda looking good but shot will be his key to playing time.
I am not sure how Jett looked but we have some problem at reserve 2 with him and Black. Jones is too small too play with Jase. Maybe we can plug Tristan there and at the 3. He is coming of winning eurobasket and looked good.
We have much deeper team than before. So glad i dont have to watch Fultz and Cole. Only WCJ is annoying but maybe he will stop sulking with more veteran presence

[tooler]

Jase shot is fluid but he will have his struggles against lenght at the rim. He was easly blocked this game.

Perhaps so, but I had to remind myself that rookies get blocked a lot at the rim. Even Franz had some trouble. I’ll give him some time.

[zaymon]

Jase shot is fluid but he will have his struggles against lenght at the rim. He was easly blocked this game.

Perhaps so, but I had to remind myself that rookies get blocked a lot at the rim. Even Franz had some trouble. I’ll give him some time.

Sure its not a knock on him just reality. I really like him but i will keep my expectations low his rookie year.
I have higher expectations for Howard and Black. They would be much better if we fusioned them into one. Still not as good as Franz or Bane which says a lot.