Orlando Magic return from Berlin and London trip needing sharper play before next Memphis matchup

A split in Europe, then a quick reset at home

The Orlando Magic are back in Central Florida after a rare regular-season trip that put two games against the Memphis Grizzlies on European stages in Berlin and London within four days. Orlando won the opener in Germany on Jan. 15, 118-111, then dropped the rematch in the U.K. on Jan. 18, 126-109.

The London result exposed a recurring issue for Orlando: slow starts that force the team to play from behind. Memphis led 40-23 after the first quarter and built a 33-point first-half advantage before the Magic reduced the margin in the second half. The comeback push ultimately fell short as Orlando could not erase the deficit created early.

What changed from Berlin to London

One major difference between the two games was the availability of Memphis guard Ja Morant. After missing the Berlin game with a right calf injury, Morant returned in London on a minutes restriction and produced 24 points and 13 assists in 28 minutes, helping Memphis turn the series into a split. Orlando’s offensive efficiency and perimeter accuracy also dipped in the second game; the Magic made 10 of 33 3-point attempts in London.

In Berlin, Orlando’s rally was anchored by Paolo Banchero’s 26 points and 13 rebounds. Franz Wagner returned to the lineup in his native country after an extended absence due to a high ankle sprain and contributed 18 points and nine rebounds. In London, Wagner scored 14 points in his second game back, while Banchero finished with 16 points on 7-of-20 shooting, plus nine assists and eight rebounds.

Roster and availability notes from the trip

The Europe set also marked a notable moment for the Magic’s German contingent. Franz Wagner’s return allowed him to play again alongside his brother, Moritz Wagner, who previously missed significant time after a left ACL tear suffered on Dec. 21, 2024 and has recently returned to action. The trip included team practices in Berlin before the first game and the transition to London for the second.

Key performance markers the Magic will evaluate

• Early-game defense after conceding 40 points in the first quarter in London.
• Shot quality and conversion, particularly from 3-point range.
• Half-court execution against a Memphis team that looked different with Morant available.
• Managing workload and rhythm as players return from injury-related absences.

"We’ve got to start playing better," was the message from inside the locker room as the team turned from travel to performance.

With the Europe trip completed and the schedule returning to domestic routines, Orlando’s immediate challenge is to translate the lessons from the split into sharper starts and more consistent two-way play as the season continues.