Paolo Banchero’s 50-Point Game Ignites the Magic’s Hot Start: Can He Make Orlando an East Contender?

In today’s Locked On NBA episode, Doug Branson, Matt Moore, and Hayes dive into a thrilling night in the NBA as Paolo Banchero drops a near-50-point game against the Pacers, sparking debate on whether it’s time to elevate his status among the league’s rising stars. The guys also dissect the Magic’s defensive-focused hot start and ask if they’re ready to disrupt the Eastern Conference elite.Later, it’s “Gimme More” time where Matt and Haize break down the Lakers’ loss to the Suns and debate if LeBron’s off night or Phoenix’s defense was more to blame in the game’s outcome. And the team assesses whether the Bulls’ big three is finally clicking, or if Memphis is being too cautious with Jaren Jackson Jr. Plus, are the Knicks already regretting the Karl-Anthony Towns trade? We hear from Locked On Knicks host Gavin Shaw on how Towns fits—or doesn’t—into Tom Thibodeau’s system. And the hosts pick sides on the moment that had NBA Twitter buzzing: Peyton Pritchard’s buzzer-beating three against the Bucks and Doc Rivers’ priceless reaction.0:32 Paolo Banchero's 50-point game4:11 Orlando Magic's strong start7:02 Magic's offensive improvements10:17 Gimmie More! Was the Lakers first loss MORE about LeBron James' off night or the Suns defense?13:47 Gimmie More! Is the Bulls Big 3 finally coming together or was their close win over the Grizzlies more about Ja's absence and coaching decisions19:37 Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns are an awkward fit so far25:14 Peyton Pritchard's buzzer-beater Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FMTop 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchiseTop 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOHFor your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!BetterHelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.  eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelYou can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers will get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)#Hornets #LaMelo #LaMeloBall #CharlotteHornets