Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Magic Starting 5: Paolo Banchero Among NBA's Best Players?
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1. PAOLO BANCHERO RINGER RANKINGS
"Banchero can lower his shoulder on drives and force defenders underneath the basket with his power, before then pivoting like a dancer to create separation for explosive takeoffs," The Ringer writes. "At 6-foot-10, he possesses a rare combo of strength and fluidity that could make him one of the game’s most potent scorers. To become unstoppable, he’ll need to improve the efficiency of his jump shot, but right now his playmaking vision and interior ability are allowing him to score like few other rookies in history."
"If they stay put, Anthony Black could be a really nice fit with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner because of the way his game should complement the two," Yardbarker writes. "At 6-foot-7, Black is a big guard who does a little bit of everything - he defends his butt off, he's a ball-mover and playmaker, and he knows how to use his size to his advantage around the basket. Adding him into the mix of jumbo athletes the Magic have at most positions would create even more mismatches against opponents."
"Despite missing the services of Joel Embiid, Philadelphia was able to get it done thanks to a 45-point effort from James Harden, his career-best in the playoffs.
"The tone of the series has dramatically changed since that point, with Boston taking Game 2 with ease at home and following that up with a 114-102 victory in Game 3 to seize control of the series. How will Game 4 turn out?"
Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
"The Phoenix Suns have an opportunity to do the unthinkable and tie their series with the Denver Nuggets after initially being down 2-0 heading into the weekend."
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST on TNT.
5. NBA DRAFT LOTTERY COUNTDOWN
The Magic is nine 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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