Magic Lean on Depth as Banchero Returns and Da Silva Adjusts to Bench Role

The Orlando Magic secured one of their tightest wins of the season Friday night, edging the Miami Heat 106–105 in a game that centered as much on rotation management as it did on late-game execution. The contest marked the return of forward Paolo Banchero, who missed 10 games with a left groin strain. His re-entry prompted immediate on-court adjustments that rippled through Orlando’s lineup.

One of the players most affected by Banchero’s comeback was second-year forward Tristan da Silva. After holding a consistent starting role during Banchero’s absence, da Silva shifted back to the bench Friday night. Despite the reduced scoring output, his activity and poise earned praise from head coach Jamahl Mosley, who said the role change will not alter what the team expects from him.

Mosley highlighted da Silva’s energy, defensive commitment and willingness to attack the basket as traits that hold value regardless of his spot in the rotation. Those qualities, he said, are essential for Orlando as it navigates a deeper, more balanced roster with Banchero returning to full health.

The Magic’s narrow win moved them to 14–9 and into fourth place in the Eastern Conference, underscoring how consistency from role players like da Silva has helped sustain the team through a stretch of lineup uncertainty.

1. Da Silva’s Role Remains Steady

Mosley made it clear postgame that da Silva’s duties do not shift simply because his minutes now come with the second unit. The coach emphasized that the young forward’s responsibilities—defending, staying aggressive and capitalizing on open looks—remain central to the team’s identity. Da Silva finished the night with three points, five rebounds and a steal on 1-for-4 shooting in 25 minutes. While the scoring numbers dipped, Mosley pointed to the subtle ways in which da Silva impacted the game, referencing his positioning, defensive communication and willingness to stay active off the ball. His production during Banchero’s 10-game absence demonstrated his capability as a consistent contributor. Da Silva averaged 11 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists during that stretch, shooting nearly 47% from the field across extended minutes. Through 23 games, he has continued to shoot efficiently, including a strong 38.5% from three-point range. Mosley said those habits—built over the early part of the season—will continue to shape da Silva’s role, even as the rotation compresses with Orlando’s top scorer back in the fold.

2. Banchero Eases Back Into Action

Banchero’s return offered the Magic both relief and a reminder of the process attached to reintegrating a primary offensive option. The second-year star logged nine points, six rebounds and two assists in 20 minutes while shooting 3-for-8 from the field. Mosley noted that the team is prepared for a gradual rhythm adjustment in the games ahead. The head coach acknowledged that reconnecting with game speed and offensive flow takes time, especially against a defensive-minded opponent like Miami. The Heat forced Orlando to adapt quickly, and Mosley said he was encouraged by his players’ ability to read and react in real time. The focus for Banchero now shifts to regaining comfort with the pace, spacing and shot creation responsibilities he carried before the injury. Mosley said the team will continue to ease him into heavier minutes, aiming for a balance between competitiveness and precaution. Even in limited action, Banchero’s presence altered defensive matchups and opened opportunities for Orlando’s supporting cast—something the Magic will look to build on as he inches back toward full availability.

3. Magic Continue to Build Momentum

Friday’s win maintained Orlando’s strong early-season positioning, as the team solidified its hold on the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference. Much of the Magic’s recent success has stemmed from their depth, collective defense and improved ball movement—factors that have allowed them to remain competitive despite injuries. Mosley said those elements will remain vital as Banchero ramps up and the rotation tightens. The coaching staff has leaned heavily on stable contributions from da Silva, Cole Anthony, and other role players who have elevated the team’s floor during a challenging stretch. The upcoming schedule presents a direct test of that continuity. Orlando will travel to New York for a matchup with the Knicks on Sunday, facing one of the league’s most disciplined defenses. From there, the Magic return home for an NBA Cup quarterfinal rematch against the Heat on Tuesday. With Banchero reintegrating, da Silva adjusting and the roster settling into clearer roles, Orlando enters the next week positioned to build on the momentum that has shaped its 14–9 start.