Magic PF Paolo Banchero Describes 'Hard' Back-to-Back, But 'Not an Excuse' for Loss vs. Cavs

The Orlando Magic have struggled in the second half of back-to-backs all season.

The Orlando Magic is continuing its skid down the Eastern Conference standings. After peaking in the second spot behind the Boston Celtics, the Magic have slid all the way to eight, comfortably in a Play-In spot. 

The Magic lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night for the second time this season. In the second half of a back-to-back, the Magic never really stood a chance. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner were the only Orlando players to score more than 15 points. After the game, Banchero seemed frustrated by the lack of effort in the back-to-back. 

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero.  / Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

"It's hard, but it's the NBA," Banchero said. "You got to do it. Everyone has to do it. And it's not an excuse, especially when you're at home doing it. You know, it's not too crazy. I mean, I didn't feel bad or tired coming into the game."

Orlando is now 2-7 in the second half of back-to-backs. The loss to Cleveland was only their third such game at home, so the Magic has had to travel an exorbitant amount in the first half of the season. 

Orlando has five more back-to-backs this season, so conditioning, recovery, and injuries will all have to swing in Orlando's favor. With Wagner back in the lineup, Orlando's depth is back to normal.

The health of Jonathan Isaac has been an issue for Orlando. When he's healthy, Isaac is a one-man wrecking crew down low, holding down the paint with the best in the league. He has played in 26 of Orlando's 44 games this season, and the inconsistency with his health is taking its toll, as the Magic have a depleted frontcourt almost half the time. 

BREAKING: Magic Rivals Trade Point Guards in Blockbuster

The Magic is one of the youngest teams in the NBA, so conditioning and health should be of little concern. Outside of Markelle Fultz and Isaac, the Magic are by no means injury-prone, so staying healthy should be easy.