After a transformative 2023-24 season, the Orlando Magic enters the 2024-25 season with a reflection on what happened last season. Marking the franchise’s 35th season in the NBA and third under head coach Jamahl Mosley, the Magic burst out roaring to a 13-5 record in November. But soon they faced challenges in December and January, causing their record to slip 25-23.

However, a strong finish saw them go 22-12 over the final months, culminating in a 47-35 record, an impressive 13-win improvement from the previous year. With the continued development of young stars like Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, along with the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to bolster the backcourt and provide much-needed spacing, the Magic are poised for further growth.

Additionally, the Magic’s frontcourt, featuring Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr, promises to be a formidable lineup, focusing on both scoring and defense. With a strong foundation and heightened expectations, the Magic are set to contend for a deeper playoff run in 2024-25.

Preseason Schedule

Get ready for an action-packed preseason as the Magics face off against some exciting opponents before the regular season. Here are the key dates, venues, opponents, and times as per the NBA.

These games will be critical for the team to build chemistry and fine-tune their strategies before the season opener.

Orlando Magic 2024-25 roster:

Offseason changes

In 2024, the Orlando Magic signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a three-year, $66 million contract, bringing in his renowned defensive skills and durability—having played in 96% of games since the 2013-14 season and never missing more than four consecutive games. The Magic also made other key offseason moves, re-signing Goga Bitadze to a three-year, $25 million deal, Gary Harris for two years at $15 million, and Moritz Wagner for two years at $22 million. Additionally, Jonathan Isaac’s contract was extended for five years, now worth $85 million, with his salary for the 2024-25 season increasing from $17.4 million to $25 million.

Additionally, the Magic extended Franz Wagner‘s contract to a five-year, $224 million extension, marking a key investment in their core. The next extension priority is Jalen Suggs, who is entering the final season of his 4-year, $29.95-million rookie deal signed in 2021 and is eligible for an extension until October 21. However, they have not made any official announcement yet. Suggs, the anchor of a top-10 defense in estimated plus-minus, tied for eighth place in steals and had a career-best 47.1% shooting percentage from the field, with 39.7% from beyond the arc. Orlando’s future hinges on the upcoming decisions regarding Suggs.

Head-to-Head records

The Magic’s following faceoffs will be exciting to watch. The games between the Magic and the Pistons are noteworthy. They have faced the Detroit Pistons the most in playoff history, playing 19 games since their first matchup in 1996. The Magic trail the Pistons with a 7-12 record in those games.

In regular-season play, the Magic boast their best record against the Minnesota Timberwolves, holding a 44-25 record, translating to a 63.8% win percentage over their 69 encounters. Conversely, the Magic have their worst record against the San Antonio Spurs, with a 22-49 mark, resulting in a 31.0% win percentage across 71 games.

For competitive balance, the Magic has a closely contested series against the Denver Nuggets, with a record of 36-35. The Nuggets hold a slight edge in point differential, but the matchup remains tight.

The Magic currently has a six-game winning streak against both the Pistons and the Wizards. On the other hand, their longest active losing streak is against the Sacramento Kings, where they have dropped six straight games in both regular season and playoff matchups.

Orlando Magic’s game with Miami Heat is a one to look out for

Miami Heat

The rivalry between the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, known as the Sunshine State rivalry, has been marked by intense competition and memorable matchups. Both teams, located in Florida, have seen significant star power over the years. Historically, the Magic faced the Heat in the playoffs for the first time in 1997, with Miami winning the series 3-2. The rivalry intensified in the 2000s with the emergence of stars like Dwyane Wade for the Heat and Dwight Howard for the Magic. The competition became fierce, especially during the early 2010s when both teams were playoff contenders.

In recent seasons, the rivalry has continued, with the Heat often having the upper hand. In the 2023-24 season, the Magic struggled, losing three out of four matchups. As both teams prepare for the upcoming season, the Magic are looking to reclaim dominance in this in-state rivalry, especially as they contend for playoff spots. With the stakes high, matchups between the two teams promise to be exciting and competitive.

Season Forecast

After choosing not to re-sign Markelle Fultz, the Orlando Magic are ready to move 2021 first-round pick Jalen Suggs into the starting point guard role. How well Suggs adapts will be crucial for the success of the Magic’s rotation heading into the 2024-25 campaign. This transition will allow KCP to take over Suggs’ previous position as shooting guard, strengthening the backcourt.

The starting frontcourt is likely to feature Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr. Banchero’s development will be key to the Magic’s postseason aspirations. He averaged a career-high 22.6 points last season and elevated his performance to 27.0 points per game in the playoffs, showcasing his potential as a star.

Additionally, the Magic will have to rely on young players like Anthony Black to enhance their offensive contributions from the bench. Last season, Orlando averaged a league-low 11.0 three-pointers per game, indicating a pressing need for improved perimeter shooting from their reserves.

If Banchero can deliver a breakout season, Suggs will be successful at point guard, and KCP’s three-point shooting effectively will space the floor, the Magic could build on last season’s momentum. The team is positioned with these elements in place for a winning record and a playoff appearance in 2025. The combination of experienced players and emerging talent will be essential for Orlando as they aim to elevate their performance this season.