Magic Starting 5: 'Playoffs or Bust' for Orlando?

The Magic Insider lists five of the biggest NBA storylines in addition to relevant Orlando Magic news and analysis.

Jeremy Brener | Apr 28, 2023

Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

Orlando Magic

"Next year is playoffs or bust for me, for everyone," Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero said. "I know the way we've been talking to each other, that's all we're worried about."

2. MIDDLETON TO MAGIC?

"The strongest part between the link from Middleton to the Magic is general manager John Hammond, who helped engineer the former All-Star's trade to Milwaukee from the Detroit Pistons after one year as a benchwarmer in the league."

3. CELTICS CLOSE OUT HAWKS IN GAME 6

The Atlanta Hawks' season is over after the Boston Celtics beat them 128-120 at State Farm Arena on Thursday night.

Jaylen Brown led the way with 32 points for the Celtics, while Jayson Tatum added 30 of his own. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray each had a double-double for the Hawks in the loss.

4. FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAMES

Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors, 8:00 p.m. EST, ESPN (Warriors lead 3-2)

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 p.m. EST, ESPN (Lakers lead 3-2)

5. NBA DRAFT LOTTERY COUNTDOWN

The Magic is 18 days away from the NBA Draft Lottery, where it will be revealed if Orlando will have the opportunity to take Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick.

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Published Apr 28, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.