Preseason basketball isn’t supposed to mean much beyond shaking off rust and testing rotations. Teams use these games to regroup after months away, and coaches experiment with lineups that won’t see regular season minutes. The results don’t count toward anything that matters.
But the rise of sports betting has changed that reality in ways nobody quite anticipated. During the Orlando Magic’s preseason matchup against Philadelphia, one fan made that shift impossible to ignore when he shouted at Paolo Banchero about needing two more points to cash his wager.
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“Paolo, I just need two more points bro!” the fan yelled.
Banchero’s response was direct: “You’re betting on a preseason game, bro? You’re addicted. It’s preseason, dog, relax.”
Social media had a field day with the exchange. “Ethical Star. Telling folks to stop gambling,” one user wrote.
Another chimed in with “He just called so many of my notis addicted 😭😭😭.” Someone else defended the gambler: “Who doesn’t want a little action when going to a game. Don’t judge me Paolo.”
The moment captured something bigger than one fan’s parlay. Sports betting has reshaped how people watch games, blurring the line between enjoying basketball and chasing payouts. Even meaningless exhibition games suddenly carry financial weight for bettors tracking parlays and props.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Banchero managed just 25 percent shooting against the 76ers but still joined four other Magic players in double figures. The interaction feels even stranger considering he recently signed a massive five-year rookie extension worth $239 million that could reach $287 million with incentives.
Nothing about preseason games should feel urgent. Unless you’ve got money riding on them, apparently.
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