Orlando Magic's Slow Start Tests Playoff Hopes

The Orlando Magic opened the season poorly, falling to 2-7 before a win over Sacramento lifted them to 3-7, with injuries to Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs adding to the challenge. The team has struggled on both ends of the floor, but players and coaches say they believe they can turn things around, pointing to a strong second-half response against Golden State and the time remaining in the season. Franz Wagner’s scoring and playmaking, along with promising contributions from Tristan da Silva and Jamal Cain, have offered some bright spots. Still, the slow start raises broader questions about coach Sean Sweeney’s team and the roster decisions facing executive Jeff Weltman, as Orlando balances an expensive core with the need to preserve financial flexibility.