NBA insider foresees Paolo Banchero leading Orlando Magic to Finals win over Warriors in dream scenario

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ESPN reporter Kevin Pelton detailed a simulated scenario that foresaw Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic winning the 2026 NBA Finals against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

The simulation predicted that the Orlando Magic would lead the Eastern Conference through next season’s All-Star break and would head into the playoffs with the best record in the conference. Here’s a full breakdown of Pelton’s account of this simulated dream scenario for Orlando:

Orlando Magic finish the 2025-26 season as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference (57-25)
Eastern Conference round 1: Magic defeats Bulls (4-1)
Eastern Conference semifinals: Magic defeats Raptors (4-2)
Conference finals: Magic defeats Knicks (4-1)
NBA Finals: Magic defeats Warriors (4-3), Paolo Banchero wins Finals MVP

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As detailed in Pelton's account of the simulation, the Magic's run in this dream scenario was dependent on Banchero and Franz Wagner.

This would be quite a jump for Orlando as the team finished seventh in the league last season with a 41-41 record. The Magic were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics. This marked the team's second consecutive postseason appearance after missing the playoffs for three straight seasons.

“I think we should be a deep playoff team": Paolo Banchero details next season's expectations for the Magic

It has been a productive summer for the Magic, highlighted by the blockbuster trade that saw the team acquire Desmond Bane. Orlando also brought in Tyus Jones, giving it a solid playmaker. In light of these moves, Paolo Banchero is excited about the team's chances next season.

Speaking to "The Athletic" on Sept. 27, Banchero touched on his expectations for the team in 2025-26, saying that he is eyeing the NBA Finals.

"I think we should be a deep playoff team. Hopefully, that means Finals. But if it’s anything shorter than that, then Eastern Conference finals. I want to play deep into the playoffs. I think that we have a deep roster."

Paolo Banchero recorded career highs in points and rebounds last season as he led the Magic to the seventh seed in the East. Franz Wagner was also key, averaging 24.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.

After a productive summer, the team could make a sizable jump, though the dream simulation presented by ESPN's Kevin Pelton seems like a far-fetched goal. Regardless, Banchero remains determined to lead the Magic to the NBA Finals.

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About the author

Sameer Khan

Sameer is an esports and gaming journalist at Sportskeeda who covers a diverse range of topics. He is currently pursuing a BSc degree from BITS, but his love for video games pushed him to pursue a gaming journalism career. He relies on diligent research and fact-checking to deliver top-notch content. He has previously worked in the hospitality sector with the Oberoi Group.

Sameer’s gaming journey began with Rockstar Games’ GTA franchise, specifically
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. He strongly prefers multiplayer games, with FPS being his favorite genre, and has devoted 6K+ hours to CS:GO! However, he also dabbles in open-world, story-based games from time to time. Solo RPGs like Horizon Forbidden West hold a soft spot in his heart, and he would readily drop in it given a Jumanji-type scenario.

Sameer makes sure to follow Counter-Strike and Valorant esports tournaments, as he believes that watching a game being played at the highest level can be highly educational. He derives inspiration from Tarik's meteoric rise to become one of the biggest FPS streamers in the world following the release of Valorant.

Outside of work, you can find Sameer playing football or cheering for FC Barcelona. He also likes to read and write poetry.

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