The Orlando Magic have historically faced several challenging stretches when key players have missed significant mid-season time, but each absence has impacted the team in unique ways. During the 2021-22 season, the Magic endured one of their toughest years, finishing 22-60, partly due to ongoing absences of key players like Jonathan Isaac, who was sidelined the entire season following an ACL injury, and Markelle Fultz, who missed substantial time with an ACL tear as well. These injuries hampered their rebuilding efforts and led to a challenging season【16†source】.
In 2024, the Magic saw progress as they managed to secure a playoff spot despite frequent injury setbacks. Key players like Wendell Carter Jr. and Markelle Fultz missed significant games, causing rotations to shift and new lineups to emerge. The team went 12-18 over December and January, a period marked by the absence of Franz Wagner, among others, which saw them drop from second place to a lower playoff seed. Nevertheless, the team showcased resilience, with young stars like Paolo Banchero stepping up to maintain playoff aspirations【15†source】.
In the upcoming season, Orlando aims to build on this growth, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum through roster continuity. However, the Magic’s history suggests that their ability to withstand mid-season absences could be crucial in determining their success, especially as they aim to compete in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.