Penny & Pops Podcast - Orlando Magic Basketball Penny & Pops Podcast - Orlando Magic Basketball

It’s here. Cleveland Cavaliers-Orlando Magic. Playoff series preview. We’re looking for our first series win since 2010. Cavs are looking to get to the second round for the first time since 2018. It’s the second time they’re facing each other ever in the postseason (2009 Eastern Conference Finals being the other). Reviewing the 2-2 regular season meetings between the two squads.

Discussing various series questions: How healthy is Donovan Mitchell? Does Jonathan Isaac start? Can Franz Wagner hit 3s? Can Orlando score in the paint? What are the player rotations: Who is in/out? Is this Paolo Banchero’s coming out party? Can Jamahl Mosley bury his friend JB Bickerstaff? Final predictions.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic

Warning: Adult Language

As the Orlando Magic prepare for their first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, we look back on the October predictions we made for the 2023-2024 NBA regular season. Awards, playoffs or not, team MVP, trades, over/under guesses, and beyond.

Orlando’s team slogan for the postseason is #EverybodyIn. The NBA finally released the Magic-Cavs playoff schedule. Despite the play-in performance, why Klay Thompson would be a better Magic addition than Malik Monk. Why it’s ridiculous that Team USA already finalized its 12-man roster for the Summer Olympics before the playoffs conclude. And how Paolo Banchero could still end up on that roster.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic

Warning: Adult Language

The Orlando Magic are playoffs bound for the first time since 2020! The Magic concluded the 2023-2024 regular season 47-35. They will face the 4th seed Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the postseason. As the 5th seed, this is the highest playoff seed the Magic have been since 2011. Orlando now seeks to win its first playoff series since 2010, which is the franchise’s longest drought.

It took game #82 to lock up a playoff spot, but it was well worth it considering how much the team struggled on their 3-game road trip in Houston, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia. Never underestimate the power of a Fan Appreciate Day. It’s the seventh time in team history the Magic have won the division title.

Paolo Banchero concluded a historic sophomore NBA season becoming the youngest player in league history to lead a team in points, rebounds, and assists in a single season. Franz Wagner’s value continues to remain sky high considering how much the team struggled with him out. Head Coach Jamahl Mosley is relying on Jonathan Isaac more than ever.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic

Warning: Adult Language

The Orlando Magic are 46-32. Currently the 3rd seed in the East as the scoreboard and schedule watching has been insane. There 4 games left in the regular season. Injuries to Franz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac have potentially complicated matters, as the Magic are just one game back of the 2nd seed, yet could realistically still fall into the play-in. Looking at everyone’s schedules, tiebreakers could play a factor. No matter what happens, the Magic will see postseason basketball, and that’s exciting.

The Magic have the most wins in a season since 2011. Orlando is very close to becoming Southeast division champions (divisions matter). It’s rare and insane to see the 2-through-8 seeding race so tight coming down to the final week. That the Magic are this good with their three highest scorers being 22 years old or younger is new NBA history territory.

All of that and more!


#LetsGoMagic


Warning: Adult Language

The Orlando Magic are 42-29. Currently the 5th seed in the East, with a top-6 playoff spot still very attainable with eleven games remaining in the regular season. Head Coach Jamahl Mosley received a very well earned four-year coaching extension. Why the newer style of NBA officiating should help the Magic long-term. The Anthony Black-Gradey Dick jersey swap.

Paolo Banchero outduels Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans. Another heartbreaking loss to the Sacramento Kings. Markelle Fultz v. Anthony Black point guard minutes. Eastern Conference playoff seeding jostling. The 21-year-old 22/5/5 club. The Magic being in contention for awards.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic

Warning: Adult Language

The Orlando Magic are 37-26, currently the 4th seed in the East, winners of 5 games in a row (longest streak in the NBA at the moment), 13 of our last 16 games. Orlando is taking advantage of a favorable portion of its schedule and are arguably the hottest team in the league. Not only are the Magic on pace to finish with a top-6 Eastern Conference seed, avoiding the play-in entirely, but we’ve Jamahl Mosley’s squad has a legitimate chance to host a first round playoffs series.

The Magic are battling with the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Indiana Pacers for the 4th seed, and home court advantage in the playoffs. It’s genuinely in play. Who of these teams would you rather face in the playoffs (Heat and Knicks especially)? The Magic may even be able to hunt down the 3rd seed which is currently occupied by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

*Correction: The Magic have not faced the Brooklyn/New Jersey Nets in the playoffs ever (as well as the Wizards and Knicks). Figured it out immediately after recording.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic

Warning: Adult Language