Before the game: the story
Reported Edwards and LaMelo Ball bring a blazing Wolves debut to Orlando
ESPN reported that Anthony Edwards hit nine 3-pointers for 45 points in Wednesday's 131-106 rout of Miami. That made him the third player, after Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan, with multiple 40-point season openers. LaMelo Ball scored 21 in his Minnesota debut, and the Locked On Wolves host noted Chris Finch mostly staggered the pair's minutes.
Sources: ESPN: “Anthony Edwards scores 45, Wolves roll past Heat 131-106 to spoil Gian…” · ESPN: “Anthony Edwards joins Chamberlain, Jordan after dropping 40 in another…” · RotoWire note: LaMelo Ball · Locked On Wolves “How The Minnesota Timberwolves' Offense DOMINATED” at 22:16 · Roster: LaMelo Ball
Also in the picture (3)
- Reported Anthony Black out again after missing out on an extension
Black is out Friday with a right ankle sprain. The Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede reports he took part in shootaround and has had no setbacks. Beede also reported that Black and the Magic did not agree on a rookie-scale extension before the deadline. Zach Lowe called Orlando's bench without him "a big pile of nothing."
Sources: Anthony Black status (ESPN) · Jason Beede (@jbeede.bsky.social) on Bluesky (1, 2) · The Zach Lowe Show “Opening Night Overreactions, Alarming Trends, Hot” at 32:15
- Reported Magic missing Isaac, Penda and Nelson as well
Jonathan Isaac (left knee injury management), Noah Penda (partially torn right hamstring) and Izaiyah Nelson (left ankle recovery) are all out against Minnesota. Penda told reporters his hamstring injury was "just terrible luck."
Sources: Jason Beede (@jbeede.bsky.social) on Bluesky · Jonathan Isaac status (ESPN) · Noah Penda status (Bluesky) · Izaiyah Nelson status (ESPN)
- Reported Banchero's 35 points not enough in Magic's opening loss
Orlando opened by losing 132-125 at home to Atlanta, ESPN reported, despite Paolo Banchero's 35 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists on 10-of-12 shooting, per RotoWire. Franz Wagner played only about eight first-half minutes after picking up three fouls, according to the Locked On Magic host.
Sources: ESPN: “Nickeil Alexander-Walker pours in 31, leads Hawks to season-opening 13…” · RotoWire note: Paolo Banchero · Locked On Magic “QUESTIONS: Orlando Magic DEFENSE falters in season” at 17:36
Written by our system from the reports, posts and podcasts linked here, in our own words; written Oct 23, 1:20 PM ET, before tip. Rumors and opinions are labelled.