Orlando Magic power forward Paolo Banchero opened up about his thoughts on the coming matchup between the Duke Blue Devils and the Baylor Bears, especially since the game would mean something more for Duek Star Jeremy Roach.
In a post on X, Paolo Banchero expressed anxiety over the highly-anticipated match between Duek and Baylor, which would mean that Jeremy Roach would face off against his former team.
“J Roach lining up opposite of Duke,” Banchero posted. “I’m not ready for this, man.”
J Roach lining up opposite of Duke i’m not ready for this man 😣
— Paolo Banchero (@Pp_doesit) March 23, 2025
Roach, who played for Duke for four seasons and was a key player in their 2022 Final Four run, transferred to Baylor for his final college season.
His familiarity with Duke’s system and players adds an intriguing layer to the matchup, as Baylor may leverage his insights to gain a strategic advantage.
For Baylor, Roach’s presence is seen as an asset, with coach Scott Drew acknowledging the potential benefits of Roach’s knowledge of Duke’s game plan.
Paolo Banchero Carries Magic in Blowout Against Wizards
Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero dominated the Washington Wizards, scoring 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in just three quarters. The Magic’s 120-105 victory was fueled by Banchero’s performance and marked the eighth time this season they’ve scored 120+ points, highlighting one of their best offensive games.
Banchero’s contributions included a game-defining steal and dunk during a 21-8 third-quarter run, which extended the Magic’s lead to as much as 33 points. His efficiency and leadership on the court were key factors in the team’s success.
The Magic had six players score in double digits, showcasing their balanced attack. Franz Wagner scored 21 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. The Magic dominated the boards, outrebounding the Wizards 55-41, which allowed them to control the game’s tempo and take advantage of second-chance opportunities.
The win solidified the Magic’s position in the play-in tournament race, improving their record to 33-38 with 11 games remaining in the regular season.
For the Wizards, rookie Alex Sarr stood out with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Jordan Poole added 18 points, including four three-pointers. The loss marked their third consecutive defeat and further cemented their position as the team with the worst record in the NBA.
So far this season, Paolo Banchero is currently averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 44.7% and a three-point shooting percentage of 33.3%.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
