Orlando Magic Set to Showcase New Lineup in Preseason Opener

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Magic will debut their revamped roster in a preseason game against the Miami Heat on Saturday at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico. The matchup is set to tip off at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast by FanDuel Sports Network, which will air all preseason games for the Magic.

This season, fans will see the Magic focus on increasing their pace of play. Last season, Orlando averaged the fewest possessions per 48 minutes, a statistic they aim to improve. The team hopes to use a more aggressive defense to spur offensive opportunities, an area where they struggled last year, ranking 25th in fast-break points.

One player to watch is Desmond Bane, considered one of the league’s top shooters. Bane averaged 19.2 points per game last season, shooting 39.2 percent from beyond the arc. His addition could significantly enhance the Magic’s offensive capabilities.

Magic Coach Jamahl Mosley indicated that the team is experimenting with player lineups in practice. Anthony Black, a versatile player, may see time at the power forward position, emphasizing their goal of flexibility and agility on the court.

The preseason also serves as an opportunity for the Magic to develop chemistry among their players. Mosley noted that the team is adjusting and fine-tuning strategies to maximize their efficiency come regular season.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat come into the game with key players missing due to injuries, including Tyler Herro and Davion Mitchell, which could hinder their performance against a well-prepared Magic squad. As they face the Magic on Saturday, the Heat will rely on a mostly G-league lineup to navigate the game.

With the preseason approaching, all eyes will be on how both teams adapt and what strategies they implement ahead of the regular season.