NBA: 14 Unpopular and bold predictions for the upcoming 2023-24 season

Victor Wembanyama (Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports)
Victor Wembanyama (Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports)
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Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic Paolo Banchero (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports)

The Orlando Magic will make the playoffs or Play-In Tournament

As an emerging team in the Eastern Conference, I predict that the Orlando Magic are going to be one of the talented young teams that takes a step forward this season. I predict that the Magic are going to make the Play-In Tournament in the East and will have a puncher’s chance to win their way into the playoffs. The Magic are one of the most talented young teams in the league and they’re going to make a lot of believers this season.

Paolo Banchero is a budding superstar and his experience with USA Basketball is going to pay dividends for the Magic this season. I believe he’s going to pick up where he left off last season, in which he won the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award, and he’s going to have some help from some of the other young, emerging talents.

Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. will also play big parts in the Magic emerging as a possible playoff team in the East. The true x-factor for the Magic lies in the backcourt. If one of their young guards can truly have a breakout season, this is a team that many will begin to rally around.