ORL • Forward • #5
Banchero was excellent in Game 1, scoring 19 points in the first half and another 17 after the halftime break. Unfortunately for the Magic, he was the only player who could consistently create opportunities offensively. A difficult matchup for most teams due to his combination of size, athleticism and skill set, this could be a big series for Banchero individually. However, the prevailing question is whether or not Orlando will be able to generate enough offense collectively to have a chance of beating the reigning champions. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
about 8 hours ago
April 20, 2025 10:31 PM
ORL • Center-Forward • #34
about 8 hours ago
Give Carter credit for his work on the boards and for being Kristaps Porzingis’ primary defender for most of Game 1. However, the offensive production was lackluster, a trend that also persisted during the regular season. Carter’s average of 9.1 per game was the lowest of his NBA career; this was the first season in which he failed to average double figures. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner will do most of the heavy lifting offensively, but they’re going to need help in this series. Fellow starters Carter, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (6/4/2/3 with two three-pointers) and Cory Joseph (zero points, two assists) combining to score 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting isn’t good enough. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
ORL • Forward • #22
about 8 hours ago
Wagner did record a complete stat line in Sunday’s series opener, but the efficiency left something to be desired. Worse than the field goal percentage was the fact that he recorded as many turnovers as assists, finishing with five of each. Given the decided disadvantage the Magic are at offensively in this series, they’re going to need a consistently elite Wagner if they’re to have a chance of winning this series. He’ll look to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday.
ORL • Forward • #22
5 days ago
Wagner struggled with his shot on Tuesday but contributed in other ways as Orlando earned the seventh seed in the East. The 13 rebounds were the most he’s grabbed in a game this season, and the Magic wing only hit double figures in that category twice before Tuesday. Add in the assists and steals; all wasn’t lost for DFS players who slotted Wagner into their lineups. That said, Wagner will need to be much better if the Magic are to have any chance of knocking off the Celtics in the first round.
GSW • Forward • #00
about 2 hours ago
After playing at least 17 minutes in six straight games, Kuminga picked up a DNP-CD in Golden State’s final two games before the playoffs. He met a similar fate in Sunday’s Game 1, and that may be the norm for Kuminga moving forward. Multiple outlets reported during the game that he’s unlikely to crack the rotation unless there’s a need to adjust the game plan within a game or the series. With restricted free agency looming in the summer, Kuminga is a player to watch in these playoffs, especially if he remains on the bench.
Source: Anthony Slater
DEN • Forward • #32
about 9 hours ago
Gordon played 46 of a possible 53 minutes in Saturday’s overtime victory to open the series. He’s on the injury report for injury management reasons, and the probable tag suggests Gordon will be available in the end. Peyton Watson, who logged 14 minutes in Game 1, will take on additional playing time if the Nuggets’ starting power forward is limited in any way.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MEM • Forward • #35
about 11 hours ago
Bagley was the Grizzlies’ only bright spot on offense in Game 1. The reserve big was perfect from the field and got plenty of burn in a game that was out of reach for his team early on. Whether he can earn more minutes moving forward remains to be seen. He’ll likely get less opportunity if Game 2 is closer.
