The Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons have now both found their way out of the Lottery ringer and seem set to stake a claim to a place atop the Eastern Conference. The two young teams have a lot to learn from each other as they plot their next steps and prepare for a potential collision course in the Playoffs in the very near future.

Ku Khahil of Locked On Pistons joins the show to discuss how the Pistons finally made their breakthrough and reflect on where the Magic and Pistons stand.

The Pistons remade their offense in one offseason with critical moves to add veterans and shooting, something the Magic can certainly learn from. The Magic struggled in their first season after their playoff breakthrough, a warning for the Pistons as they look ahead to next season.

Both teams should be aggressive to ensure their place atop the Eastern Conference.

0:00 Eastern Conference Finals preview

5:45 Pistons' playoff experience and offseason impact

11:55 Magic's offseason moves and injury challenges

17:27 Expectations and pressure after playoff success

23:29 Importance of continuous improvement for young teams

29:04 Lessons learned from playoff experiences

34:12 Finding the right balance in roster improvements

40:13 Eastern Conference landscape and team strategies

45:21 Importance of quality role players in contention

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

CarGurus

Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal.

SKIMS

Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Orlando Magic are entering new territory this season as they enter the luxury tax for the first time in more than a decade. They not only enter the tax for the first time, but they are bumping up against the first apron and its many restrictions. They are trying to solve a much more difficult puzzle now.

This offseason, the Magic must add, but they must also consider the consequences of that addition as they try to navigate the difficult landscape of this new CBA.

What the Magic do now will affect their ability to continue adding in the future.

0:00 Intro: Magic's financial situation and first apron

5:16 Magic will be a tax team for first time since 2012

10:52 Restrictions and penalties of the first apron

16:29 Why avoiding the first apron matters for trades

21:34 How cap considerations will affect Magic's summer

26:42 Future salary implications of potential trades

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

CarGurus

Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal.

SKIMS

Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)