SPOTLIGHT: Magic's Bench MUST STEP UP or RISK Playoff Hopes | Can Anthony Black DELIVER?

The Orlando Magic face a critical challenge: Can they win on national TV and beat the best teams in the league?Last year, the Magic not only went 1-6 on national TV, including some of their most embarrassing defeats, but they also struggled against the best teams in the league. Orlando had the fewest wins against winning teams last year among Eastern Conference postseason teams.If the Magic are truly going to climb into contention, they must prove themselves against the best teams in the league. And that will be the biggest sign of their growth this season with a roster set to compete for a top playoff spot.Will the Magic prove they are serious contenders by stepping up against the NBA's elite?0:00 Intro: Orlando Magic's big problem to solve5:37 Magic's struggles on national TV games11:48 Beating good teams: Key to Magic's success18:28 Expectations for upcoming NBA schedule release24:37 Potential national TV matchups for Magic30:42 Predicting Magic's home and road game patternsSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order.This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaMonarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have gotten their share of criticism despite their early success in their careers. But Banchero and Wagner have already gotten themselves and their team to a spot where they can make waves and meet the expectation to do more.The Orlando Magic already have one of the best young duos in the league and this is the year they should have the tools to make the rest of the league take notice. Both Banchero and Wagner should be All-Stars this year... and that may be without considering any improvements they might make this offseason.0:00 Intro: Positive outlook on Magic's stars5:44 Paolo Banchero's impact and efficiency11:55 Franz Wagner's strengths beyond shooting18:31 Upcoming EuroBasket games for Magic players23:05 Goga Bitadze's performance in exhibition game27:10 EuroBasket tournament format and Georgia's chancesSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order.This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaMonarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Nick Angstadt and the Locked On NBA Squad dive into Doncic's physical makeover and its potential impact on his game. They explore the restricted free agent market, with a focus on Jonathan Kuminga's situation with the Golden State Warriors. The panel debates the Houston Rockets' chances in the loaded Western Conference after adding Kevin Durant, and assesses the Orlando Magic's rise in the East. Plus, they examine how the Minnesota Timberwolves will cope without Naz Reid. Tune in for expert analysis on these burning NBA topics and hear why one host is having "an emotional basketball affair" with the new-look Luka. 0:00 Intro: Discussing skinny Luka and NBA topics5:07 Luka's transformation and its impact on NBA15:44 Restricted free agents and contract negotiations21:22 Houston Rockets' potential with Kevin Durant27:31 Magic's outlook and Eastern Conference standings33:21 Minnesota Timberwolves' prospects after changes39:07 Debating Houston vs Minnesota in rankings44:28 Orlando Magic's potential in coming season49:56 Timberwolves' playoff performance and future54:59 Derrick White's value and impact on teams58:39 Celtics' roster changes and future outlook 

The Orlando Magic have major ambitions for the 2026 season. And they have the roster to get it done. But the difference between merely making the Playoffs and becoming contenders will come down to how key reserve players play and whether several young players are ready to step up.That includes Anthony Black. He has shown promise in his first two seasons. But he has struggled to put all the pieces together. This is the season that the Magic will lean on him to be consistent and take a step up.The same will be for Jonathan Isaac after he struggled with his weight last year and struggled offensively. If the Magic are going to take another step this season, they will need both players to take a sizable leap this season.With playoff aspirations, the Magic need several players to step up to succeed.0:00 Intro: Players who need to step up5:38 Anthony Black's critical third season23:04 Scoring distribution and offensive concerns28:10 Magic's challenge: Proving they can contendSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order.This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.OpenPhoneStreamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnbaMonarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner has begun preparations for Eurobasket and he has previewed what he has worked on in the three months since the Magic's season ended.The big thing is obviously his shooting after another season shooting worse than 30 percent from three. He is indeed focused on that as part of his offseason work. But he is also working ot diversify his game.It all goes on display at Eurobasket.Wagner's shooting improvement will play a big role for the Magic. But so too will Desmond Bane's presence. He is a different kind of shooter than what the Magic have had for the last few years.0:00 Intro: Franz Wagner prepares for EuroBasket5:42 Franz working on post-up game and shooting13:51 Desmond Bane vs Kentavious Caldwell-Pope comparison20:36 Goga Bitadze's offseason development and contract year26:44 Bitadze potentially expanding his shooting rangeSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.  Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Orlando Magic are returning to Europe for regular season games in 2026 as they will play the first NBA regular season games played in Berlin. The Magic will face the Memphis Grizzlies in January 2026.The games will makr a huge homecoming for German national team stars Franz and Moe Wagner as they get to bring their team and the NBA to their hometown, achieving a key goal for them as representatives of Germany basketball.While this is an exciting moment for the Magic, it will also come with a cost. The dreaded "Paris tax" awaits them as the lighter schedule that week means, they will have more games clustered together in a shorter time. That could affect their push to make the Playoffs and gain a top seed in the East.0:00 Intro: Orlando Magic heading to Germany5:38 Wagner brothers' documentary and inspiring German youth11:45 Benefits and challenges of international games17:56 Potential "Paris Tax" and schedule compression22:27 Jamal Cain's performance and fit with Magic27:02 Roster completion and upcoming training campSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.  Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Orlando Magic shook up their roster this offseason with the acquisitions of Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones. They have propelled the Magic into the conversation of Eastern Conference contenders.Expectations are different in the Magic's front office. That is the biggest change to the vibes this offseason. Orlando has talked openly about its championship ambitions and aspirations. And they do not seem crazy anymore.Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel joins the show to talk about what these heightened expectations mean. And how the Magic live up to the pressure.0:00 Intro: Closing summer vibe check with Jason Beatty5:56 Franz Wagner's expectations for EuroBasket10:41 Recap of conversation with Jason Beatty15:45 Magic's aggressive offseason moves and expectations21:22 Potential challenges for Magic's championship aspirations26:28 Importance of internal player developmentSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.  Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Orlando Magic's playoff dreams have taken shape after an active offseason. Do they have enough to make a deep postseason run?Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel joins the show for part two of our conversation to discuss how the Magic succeed this season, the team's new coaching hires and what they have done to push the team into contention.The Magic are facing real expectations and pressure for the first time as they look ahead to a big season. Will the Magic be able to step up and deliver this season?0:00 Intro: Summer vibes and Magic's potential5:57 Magic's offensive struggles and room for improvement14:00 Handling increased expectations and pressure19:40 Lessons learned from playoff experiences22:06 Coaching staff additions and their potential impact28:42 Pressure as a privilege for Jamahl MosleySupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.  Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Orlando Magic had a busy offseason as they aimed to take their next step and evolve into a contending team. The team unveiled its major plans, adding Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones this offseason to a revamped squad that appears ready to compete in the Eastern Conference.The Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede joins the show to take a summer vibe check of the Magic's aggressive offseason. We discuss what the acquisition of Bane and Jones will do to the Magic's offense and how they fit in the new Eastern Conference landscape.Will Orlando's bold moves translate to on-court success?0:00 Intro: Summer vibe check with Jason Beatty2:55 Jason's reflections on busy offseason and Vegas6:41 Impact of Desmond Bane acquisition on Magic13:41 Analyzing Magic's point guard by committee approach18:19 Importance of Tyus Jones signing for stability23:52 Front office's aggressive offseason moves surpriseSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYTime to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.  Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Orladno Magic are taking a "by-committee" strategy to the point guard position. That is a big risk considering how important the game management skills of a point guard can be. But Orlando believes it can get a lot from their current players to fill the roles typically fileld by a point guard.It might become the central question for their season. At the very least, the Magic have Tyus Jones as a backup option to fill the point guard role when things need organization.0:00 By-committee approach for Orlando Magic5:05 Point guard position and Moneyball strategy10:40 Importance of Tyus Jones as insurance16:53 Value of a stable point guard for team success22:40 Magic's center rotation and versatility27:47 Importance of small moments in playoff gamesSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first yearGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)