Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero Expected to 'Lead the Charge' for Magic as Playoffs Near

Orlando Magic forwards Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero are leading the way for the team.

The Orlando Magic is the hottest team in the NBA, surging up the playoff ladder all the way to the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

However, with injuries to Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, and OG Anunoby, the lower-seeded Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks are expected to make deeper playoff runs, usurping the younger Magic.

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Despite the cloud of doubt surrounding the Magic, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are eager to step up. That much was demonstrated in their recent win over the Washington Wizards when a second-half comeback was required.

"That's kind of our job, just to lead the charge and just play at a high level," said Banchero about him and Wagner. "I know at least I didn't do that in the first half, so I wanted to come out in the second half and switch it around and turn my energy up."

The Magic found itself down 12 points at halftime, but second-half efforts from Banchero (15 points) and Wagner (12) points helped beat the Wizards, who shot only 13.3 percent from deep in the second half.

Of course, against the better teams in the Eastern Conference, falling into a double-digit hole would spell doom for Orlando. For now, the Magic still get respite games against the worst teams in the league.

In the postseason, that won't be the case. 

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With games this weekend against the playoff-bound Indiana Pacers and Knicks, Banchero will have a chance to prove himself as a leader on both ends of the court. While his game has stepped up this season, he and Wagner will have to establish themselves as an elite duo if they are to see postseason success.