Orlando Magic vs. Cavs: Paolo Banchero 'Feels Good' Ahead of Playoff Debut - Preview
Paolo Banchero was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic last season and has made an immediate impact. He and Franz Wagner have formed one of the best young duos in the NBA took last year's 13th-seed and brought Orlando all the way to a first-round playoff matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Banchero has been a workhorse all season, only missing two games and averaging a well-rounded 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on the way to his first All-Star selection. After having a busier season than most players, Banchero does not think fatigue will be an issue in the postseason.
Apr 9, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) handles the ball against Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) during the third quarter at Toyota Center.
© Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
“I feel great. If you would’ve told me I would play 80 out of 82 and been in the playoffs, I’d probably think I’d be feeling a lot worse but I feel pretty, pretty good,” said Banchero at Orlando's shootaround on Wednesday.
While the Magic is openly excited about their playoff appearance, a first-round matchup against Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers will not be easy. Cleveland, seeded fourth, is slightly favored over the Magic, although Orlando has shown grit and determination all season, which is rare from such a young team.
Game 1 is Saturday at noon in Cleveland.
If Orlando can steal a game in Cleveland to start the series, expect the Magic to ride a wave of momentum as the series shifts to Florida. While no one expected Orlando to turn the franchise around this soon after landing Banchero in last year's draft, it's safe to say that Orlando's core has arrived and is here to stay.
