Three games into the new season, the Toronto Raptors already look like a team built to make every trip up the floor difficult. They have piled up 14 steals per game, turning quick hands into fast-break chances. On Wednesday night in Toronto, that pressure meets an Orlando Magic group trying to build on a strong win over New York while playing without its biggest scorer.

As of Monday, Toronto stood 2-1 and Orlando was 1-2. Those small records still tell part of the early story. The Raptors opened with a huge win over Chicago, then bounced back from a tough loss to Minnesota with two wins in their first three games overall. Orlando showed its fight by beating the Knicks 111-102 on Saturday after two hard losses. Now the Magic must keep that momentum going without Paolo Banchero, who is out with an injury.

Banchero’s absence changes the shape of this game. The 6-foot-10 forward had been Orlando’s top early scorer, averaging 24.5 points while also setting up teammates. He is a powerful ball handler who can create trouble near the rim or draw defenders before passing. Without him, Franz Wagner becomes even more important. Wagner has supplied 21 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, showing he can do a little of everything. His size lets him drive through traffic, while his passing can help Orlando keep the ball moving.

Desmond Bane also has a bigger job. He will need to find open space on the outside and attack when defenders rush toward him. Orlando averages 27.3 assists, more than Toronto, so the Magic have shown they can share the ball. Yet they must protect it better: their 17.3 turnovers per game can give a hungry Raptors defense extra possessions. Jalen Suggs is out as well, removing another tough guard defender from Orlando’s rotation.

That is where Toronto’s long, versatile lineup can take over. Scottie Barnes leads the way with 17 points, 7.7 rebounds, and two steals per game. He can bring the ball up, crash the glass, and guard several kinds of players. Immanuel Quickley adds speed and sharp passing at guard, while center Jakob Poeltl can set sturdy screens and guard the paint.

The biggest wild card is Kawhi Leonard, listed day-to-day with an expected return Wednesday. In his first two games, Leonard has averaged 3.5 steals, a sign that his giant hands still bother scorers. If he plays, his patient midrange shooting and strong defense give Toronto another major edge.

Neither team has shot well from three-point range so far, so rebounds and loose balls may decide the night. Toronto has grabbed 46 rebounds per game and has the stronger early record. With Orlando missing Banchero and Suggs, the Raptors have more ways to create points. Prediction: Toronto will win.

Toronto’s Long Arms Meet Orlando’s Shorthanded Challenge