The Orlando Magic have put a lot on Franz Wagner in the wake of Paolo Banchero's injury. He is carrying a superstar's burden with a high usage rate and a league-leading number of drives.

Wagner is putting up good numbers. But he has not had the same effect as he did in his breakout showings in 2025 and 2026. The team is still getting its footing. And Wagner has had big moments but also looked overwhelmed as this team learns its new offense.

Wagner may not be a superstar or able to carry that burden. The Magic must find a way to help him by adding new ways to score and get into the paint and making the open shots they are getting.

00:00 Franz Wagner stepping up
08:54 Franz Wagner's increased usage and role
15:09 Team practice and preparation
21:02 Magic's offensive struggles and shooting
25:56 Magic's 3-Point Performance Analysis
30:07 Orlando Magic offensive struggles

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

5-Hour ENERGY
Spice up your season with rich pumpkin flavor and bold cinnamon swagger in every sip. Pumpkin Spice 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots are available for a limited time in stores and on https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!

Quo
Money is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

Wayfair
Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life. Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase.
Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home.

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Locked On Magic Trade Deadline Tour stops in Washington as we get the lowdown on Tyus Jones, a favored target among Magic fans. How has Jones played in his first full-time year as a starter and how would he fit with the Orlando Magic? More importantly: What would it cost to get him? The Magic are definitely a team in the hunt for a player like Jones.

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)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Orlando Magic stumbled to an 0-2 start as the familiar shooting woes came to roost and deepened the team's defensive lapses. The Magic are struggling to put all the pieces together on both ends as they stumble out of the gates.

The Minnesota Timberwolves ran roughshod over the Magic, eventually pulling away in the third quarter for the blowout victory.

The Magic have their moments where they look good. But they have not been able to sustain it and the same problems keep them from taking the next step.

The Magic should not panic after two losses to start the season. But there are a lot of warning signs that there are issues this team is struggling to resolve. And time will run out quickly with a tough schedule ahead.

00:00 Analyzing Magic's 0-2 Start
05:35 Magic's defensive struggles
12:49 Playoff tension and basketball woes
16:48 Struggling with 3-point shooting
20:20 Paolo's performance and team struggles
26:44 Discussing upcoming challenging road trip

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Orladno Magic's stars in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are still fighting for their place in the league and recognition. The preseason top 100 lists are downgrading the Magic's two stars after their frustrating seasons last year.

For the Magic to be successful, they need their best two players to break through and prove they are both All-Star players . . . and more. Success for this team starts with them. And they must change a lot of minds this season and lead their team to success or else face consequences beyond this year.

Can the Magic and their stars establish their place in the league this season? Is this the season they break through? Or are the Magic who everyone always thought they were?

00:00 Magic's All-Star Aspirations
06:10 Evaluating Player Performance Rankings
14:58 Magic's roster decision dilemma
19:17 Paolo's impressive yet underrated stats
26:56 Magic team's narrative and pressure
31:35 Magic's playoff potential and management strategy

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Cozy Earth
Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%.

Wayfair
Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Orlando Magic face a difficult season in a tight Eastern Conference where every game will matter. Their schedule is set up to challenge them early with a difficult start to the season. But gives way to a finish that could help them climb the standings.

Things will not be easy. The NBA is notoriously difficult to predict -- the Magic are a good example of this for this season. And there are fewer "gimme" games against tanking teams than ever before.

The stretches of the schedule when the Magic should pick up wins on paper are more important than ever.

On this episode, I take you through five stretches of the schedule that will determine the Magic's season and decide whether they will reach their Playoff dreams.

Is this the year the Orlando Magic break through or will small slip-ups haunt their postseason push?

00:00 Magic's unpredictable team reputation
04:41 Eastern Conference team analysis
09:30 The Magic's upcoming schedule
13:04 Managing winning and losing streaks
19:21 Playoff positioning by midseason
24:09 Post-All-Star break home games
28:14 End-of-season schedule advantages

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Cozy Earth
Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%.

Wayfair
Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Orlando Magic have finalized their training camp roster as they prepare for a do-or-die season.

The team is mostly the same, adding only Nikola Vucevic. That is faith in a team that failed to live up to expectations in the last two seasons. But it is also an ultimatum. If they cannot deliver this year, the team will be forced to make some major changes. The question is to what extent those changes will be and whether this team is on the right track.

While there is a lot that has remained the same from last year, one thing is different. The team has a new coach in Sean Sweeney. While Sweeney will likely do a lot of things similar to rebuild the team's defensive identity, he will bring changes. And nobody truly knows whether this rookie head coach will deliver for the Magic.

It is all part of the pressure of the season for the Magic as they try to build on their foundation and advance further in the Playoffs.

00:00 Orlando Magic's recent signings
05:09 Magic's 2024 strong bench discussion
09:22 Magic's Need for Change
13:22 Magic's offseason and new coach
18:10 Coaching challenges for the Magic
26:38 Magic's coaching transition

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Cozy Earth
Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%.

Wayfair
Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Orlando Magic are preparing for a pivotal 2027 season as they get set for media day and the start of training camp.

Sean Sweeney is set to make his coaching debut and is the biggest mystery for the Magic this season. What will Sweeney emphasize? How will the Magic respond to his approach?

There is excitement over what Sweeney can provide and the changes coming to this team. The Magic are eager to start the season and put it into action.

The next biggest question will be Franz Wagner and his health. Orlando had him for only 34 games last season. His return from injury will mark a huge addition as the Magic get a star player back and one of their connective tissues. He updated media on his return from injury and his eagerness for the season.

Regardless, this will be a pressure-packed season. Orlando has a lot on the line with the team approaching the league's apron limits and only getting more expensive. The Magic must produce this season.

Orlando must embrace all this pressure and understand this is their last chance to make good on their potential.

00:00 New coach for the Magic
04:46 Coach's Offensive Philosophy
10:22 Previewing the Orlando Magic Season
14:19 Franz Wagner's impact on Magic
25:31 Orlando Magic facing big changes
30:57 Turning point season for Magic

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

Aura Cybersecurity
Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.
Protect yourself now.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Orlando Magic tipped off their training camp with a spirited and intense practice on Tuesday. Everyone seems eager to get things started and spell out who this team will be.

The first official day helped set the team's identity and the basics of what the team will do. It also showed how intentional and direct Sweeney and his staff will be. Everyone has a better sense of what a Sweeney team will be.

The players have given hints of the kind of defense and offense the team will play. Everyone is expecting the Magic to play faster and with more motion. Everyone is expecting a lot more structure in the team's philosophies.

How that will actually play out and who can break out will be the questions the team will answer throughout training camp.

00:00 Discussing practice intensity and strategy
04:13 Intense practice structure and teamwork
09:24 Sean Sweeney's coaching impact
17:33 New offensive strategy changes
22:10 Noah Penda's Summer Progress

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

Aura Cybersecurity
Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.
Protect yourself now.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.