Episodes
In this episode of The Close Up, Stephen is joined by Steve Ceruti of The Ringer and they discuss:
- Analyze offseason moves
- The possible departure of Markelle Fultz
- Magic perception in the media
- Optimism for the future
… and much more!
Published 07/12/24
In this episode of the Orlando Magic HQ Podcast:
- Paul George Drama
- KCP
- Thoughts on how free agency played out…
- Isaac’s new contract + Ingles departure
… and much more
Published 07/04/24
In the 200th episode of the Orlando Magic HQ podcast:
- Celebrate our 200th episode + giveaway
- Takeaways from NBA Draft
- da Silva’s fit with the team
- Rumors: Klay, KCP, Hartstein…
… and much more
Published 06/28/24
Jason Beede from the Orlando Sentinel joins the show and he reflects on his first year covering the Orlando Magic and shares insights into the upcoming NBA draft.
Stephen and Jason discuss Jeff Weltman's recent media session and the Magic's approach to drafting outside the lottery for the first time since 2020. Additional topics include the team's draft strategy, potential trades, and decisions on player extensions and free agency. The conversation highlights the team's priorities, such as...
Published 06/25/24
In this Orlando Magic HQ podcast episode:
- Latest rumors
- What will the Magic do on Draft night?
- Will the Magic go for a big fish in free agency or via trade this offseason?
- Trae Young or Dejounte Murray a better fit?
… and much more
Published 06/14/24
The conversation with Philip covers the Orlando Magic's performance in the regular season and playoffs, the team's defensive identity, offensive challenges, and the upcoming off-season.
Published 06/07/24
In this Orlando Magic HQ podcast episode:
Jalen Suggs earns 2nd Team All Defensive Honors
Team needs that must be addressed in the offseason
Free agency rumors (plenty of them!)
Exploring mock trades
… and much more.
Published 05/31/24
In this episode of The Close Up we are joined by Keith Smith and we discuss:
- Magic cap space situation heading into the offseason
- Franz and Suggs extensions
- Magic rumors
... and much more.
Published 05/20/24
In this Orlando Magic HQ podcast episode:
- Dwight comes back to Orlando
- Heartbreaking game 7 loss vs Cleveland
- Should the Magic front office go for it this offseason?
- Have we seen the last of Markelle Fultz in Orlando?
… and much more.
Published 05/10/24
In this Orlando Magic HQ podcast episode:
- Missed opportunity in Game 5
- Looking back at the last possession… was it the right decision?
- Where is Cole Anthony?
- Preview and predictions for Games 6 and… 7?
- Paul George rumors
... and much more!
Published 05/03/24
In this episode, Stephen is joined once again by Malik Grady, and they are pumped about the Orlando Magic's playoff resurgence. They discuss how the Magic have tightened up their defense and key players like Paulo and Jalen Suggs are shining. They also touch on how intense the series has been and the trash-talking so far... the series is heating up.
Looking ahead, the upcoming games are make-or-break, but they are optimistic about the Magic winning the series in six. Finally, they give...
Published 04/30/24
In this Orlando Magic HQ podcast episode:
- Magic spank the Cavs by 38 points in game 3
- Wendell is back in the starting lineup
- Suggs' impressive game after an injury scare in game 2
- Will our vets step up the rest of the series?
… and much more.
Published 04/26/24
The Orlando Magic are down 2-0 in the first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Magic's defense has been solid, holding the Cavs to under 100 points in both games. However, the Magic are struggling offensively, scoring only 83 and 86 points in the two games.
The Cavs' defense is preventing the Magic from playing their usual style, particularly in the paint. The Magic are also struggling with rebounding, allowing the Cavs to get numerous offensive rebounds. Turnovers and slow...
Published 04/23/24
In this Orlando Magic HQ podcast episode:
- Similarities between the Cavs and the Magic
- Storylines heading into the series
- Keys for the Magic to advance
- Our prediction for the first three games
… and much more.
Published 04/19/24
This conversation with Jake Chapman, Orlando Magic Radio play-by-play announcer, covers various topics related to the Magic's playoff experience and the team's performance throughout the season.
We also discuss the excitement and anticipation of the playoffs, the growth and development of the young team, the impact of coach Jamal Mosley, and the surprising improvement in Jalen Suggs' three-point shooting. The conversation also touches on the team's defensive prowess, the need for offensive...
Published 04/16/24
In this episode of the Orlando Magic HQ podcast, we discuss the Magic crucial win against the Bucks, securing their spot in the NBA playoffs as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Anthony and Al express excitement and relief at making it to the playoffs and discuss the upcoming first-round matchup against the Cavaliers. They analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both teams and make their predictions for the series.
Lastly, they reflect on the Magic's successful season and the...
Published 04/15/24
In the newest episode of The Close Up podcast, we're stoked to welcome Orlando Magic HQ Post Game Spaces Co-Host, Bryce Woolley!
Bryce and Stephen talk about quite a few topics, ranging from the Magic remaining schedule, ideal playoff matchups, what would make a playoff successful, and so much more!
Make sure you check out Bryce after every Magic game live on X/Twitter, on the Orlando Magic HQ Post Game Spaces.
Published 04/09/24
In this episode of the Orlando Magic HQ podcast, Al and Anthony discuss the team's goal of making the playoffs with home-court advantage. We discuss the recent games against the Clippers, Grizzlies, Blazers, and Pelicans and the importance of maintaining composure and playing to the Magic's standard.
We also analyze the current standings and potential playoff matchups, with Anthony expressing his desire to face the Knicks and Shaquille O'Neal's prediction of the Magic sweeping the Knicks in...
Published 04/05/24
In the newest episode of The Close Up podcast, we're stoked to welcome 96.9 Orlando In The Zone, Magic Pre-Game Radio host, and host of the Zone Heads podcast, Brandon Kravitz.
Brandon and Stephen talk about quite a few interesting topics. They start off discussing how Brandon got into sports radio, the Magic team culture, the final game stretch, playoff expectations, and more.
Make sure you check out Brandon on 96.9 every Monday through Friday 3-6 pm and his podcast Zone Heads.
Published 04/02/24
In this episode of the Orlando Magic HQ podcast, Anthony, Al, and Stephen discuss the team's current standing and outlook as they fight for a playoff spot. They review recent games, including a tough loss to the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors.
They also highlight Jonathan Isaac's impressive performance and the impact of missing Gary Harris. They also emphasize the need for improved decision-making in clutch situations and the importance of finding a reliable shooting guard....
Published 03/29/24
In this Orlando Magic HQ podcast episode:
- Magic bounced back after two disappointing losses
- Jalen Suggs impact on this team
- Coach Mosley extension
- Magic tried to acquire Klay at the deadline?
... and much more.
Published 03/15/24
In the newest episode of The Close Up podcast, we're stoked to welcome Orlando Magic Writer and Digital Content Manager for Orlandomagic.com, Josh Cohen to the show.
Josh and Stephen talk about quite a few interesting topics. They start off discussing how the Magic offensively have been playing better when facing a zone defense. They then transition into the physicality of the playoffs and deep dive a bit on how Jonathan Isaac is a special defender that can and should elevate the team come...
Published 03/12/24
In this Orlando Magic HQ podcast episode:
- Magic continue to shock the NBA
- National media lack of knowledge about the Magic
- Anthony Black’s development
- Crucial games this weekend
… and much more!
Published 03/08/24
In the newest episode of The Close Up podcast, we're stoked to welcome Malik Grady to the show. A Magic Twitter OG.
Together, they dive into a bunch of topics including, the remaining schedule, and Orlando Magic Writer Josh Cohen's latest article on 3pt shooting. They also each pick out interesting data points on the Bucks, Knicks and Cavs, who all could be potential Playoff matchups. This is a conversation you simply can't afford to overlook.
Published 03/05/24
In this Orlando Magic HQ podcast episode:
- Magic’s solid play continues
- JI injury scare and return to the lineup
- Is Jalen Suggs our third star player?
- Realistic expectations for the Playoffs
… and much more!
Published 03/04/24