The Orlando Magic around world champions Franz and Moritz Wagner and rookie Tristan Da Silva started the NBA season with a clear win. The team scored 116:97 against the Miami Heat in the Florida duel. A very strong third quarter with 21 points more than the hosts decided the match in favor of the Magic, where Paolo Banchero excelled with 33 points and 11 rebounds. Franz Wagner had 23 points, Moritz Wagner recorded 7 points and 6 rebounds. Da Silva ended up making his NBA debut for the team with playoff aspirations, but missed his only attempt and remained scoreless.
Next, the Magic will face the Brooklyn Nets led by national team captain Dennis Schröder, who themselves suffered an opening defeat. Against the Atlanta Hawks, where Schröder started his NBA career, the score was 116:120. Schröder had 13 points, Cam Thomas had the best score with 36 points, but could not prevent the defeat.
Double block from Theis causes cheers
Daniel Theis, however, had a win against the Chicago Bulls in his season debut with the New Orleans Pelicans. At 123:111, Theis scored the first points for his team with a layup and ended up with eight points in 18 minutes on the floor. He caused cheers with two blocks within a few seconds.
