Matt Hanifan

Matt Hanifan

Joined: Sep 9, 2025

Matt Hanifan: Born and raised in Nevada, Matt has covered the Miami Heat, NBA and men’s college basketball for various platforms since 2019. More of his work can be found at Hot Hot Hoops, Vendetta Sports Media and Mountain West Connection. He studied journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he previously served as a sports staff writer for The Nevada Sagebrush. Twitter: @Mph_824_

Mar 24, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Jun 18, 2026; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman (right) and new head coach Sean Sweeney take media questions during a press conference at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Apr 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) looks to pass during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Jan 22, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) reacts after making a basket against the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Mar 11, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) defends Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

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Examining how Jalen Suggs and company will impact the Orlando Magic's guard room this season.

Apr 15, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) reacts after making a basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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The Orlando Magic have plenty of talent, but which have the most valuable contracts?

Feb 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Coming off an underwhelming 45-win season, the Magic will be playing six fewer nationally-televised games this year.

Feb 1, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) goes in against Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

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The 82-game schedule is officially out, so let's highlight some of Orlando's most fascinating matchups

Nov 2, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) reacts with forward Franz Wagner (22) after making a shot against the Utah Jazz in the fourth quarter at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

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Orlando didn't get to see much of its top-3 players together a year ago, so how should the pecking order be decided?

Nov 10, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) and forward Tristan da Silva (23) react after a play against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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Not everything has gone according to plan since the Magic took Paolo Banchero first overall

Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) and forward Jonathan Isaac (1) celebrate the victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Orlando is running it back for the 2026-27 NBA season, but one key decision they made related to Jonathan Isaac hurt the team's already-compromised flexibility.

Apr 27, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) and forward Paolo Banchero (5) celebrate after a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third quarter during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

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Orlando is doubling down on its starting lineup entering the new season, and there's something that every player must bring

Apr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Magic's 24-year-old wing played in just 34 games last season.

Feb 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Orlando Magic guard Caleb Houstan (2), forward Tristan da Silva (23), guard Anthony Black (0), guard Trevelin Queen (12) and guard Jett Howard (13) huddle in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Anthony Black broke out in his third NBA season, and his role is indispensable for Orlando and it tries to scale the NBA's Eastern Conference.

Jun 18, 2026; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman (right) presents new head coach Sean Sweeney with a number 26 jersey before a press conference at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Orlando has one open roster spot with less than two months until training camp, as it tries to compete in the NBA's Eastern Conference

Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) shoots a free throw on a technical foul against Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Orlando didn't do enough to address its shooting, or lack thereof, this summer, and our OnSI team weighs in on how much it will matter