Isn't it just so fitting that this week is NBA Rivals Week?
The Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic might not be rivals, per se, just yet, but after watching a riveting contest on January 21 between the two squads, it looked like their two star forwards are set to be rivals like a match made in heaven.
Scottie Barnes and Paolo Banchero don't appear to have any animosity, but when the lights shine bright in the spirit of competition; man, did those two gents come through in full force for exciting basketball.
Scottie Barnes and Paolo Banchero battled tooth and nail
Banchero looked like he was bound to take another leap in his All-Star and All-NBA caliber game before missing significant time with a torn oblique. Now, he's back, and Banchero has looked like he hasn't missed a step for the Magic despite the tough loss to Toronto. The former Duke standout recorded 26 points on 10-for-19 shooting, going 3-for-7 from beyond the arc, and recorded 12 rebounds as well for a double-double night.
On the flip side of things, the Raptors' dynamic forward Scottie Barnes had himself quite a night too, recording a near triple-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. He had an efficient shooting night as well, going 6-for-13 from the field, 2-for-4 on his three-pointers, and showing defensive tenacity with three stocks (two steals, one block).
The Magic are a lucky bunch. Well, at least when healthy, they're undoubtedly a dark horse in the NBA's Eastern Conference. Right now, they haven't seemed to catch a break with the injury bug, as Banchero might be back, but the Wagner brothers are out and so is Jalen Suggs. But don't underestimate their power; one day it could be the boys from Orlando who make noise in the NBA playoffs.
They have a great coach in Jamahl Mosley, and the team had all eyes on them last season. With all the right puzzle pieces falling into place, they'll be a tough team to face in the East, aside from established giants like the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks.
Unlike the Magic, who completed their rebuild relatively quickly, Toronto just started theirs but will likely return to playoff prominence if the right moves are made. Let's say, adding Cooper Flagg, perhaps? Although, the Raptors upcoming schedule might not be doing them any favors in the Flagg sweepstakes.
It hasn't been a pretty season for the Raptors; in fact, it's gotten quite ugly at times. However, the mere thought of watching two star forwards in Barnes and Banchero in future playoff basketball is alluring.
The Raptors can get there too; it's not impossible. Ratings-wise, is it the most casually appealing matchup in the world? The average fan and probably the NBA would say otherwise. But for the die-hards of both franchises, one can't help but imagine the level of competition between the two star players and their respective squads.
At the end of the day, our favorite stars of today will come and go, and the next crop of talent will be ready to fill those shoes. Paolo Banchero and Scottie Barnes are undoubtedly in those conversations. Let's just hope all things go in the right direction for Toronto to follow in the Magic's footsteps so playoff hoops between those two teams can take shape.