Miami Heat Now Just 1.5 Games Back Of No. 5 Spot In East After New York Loss To Orlando Magic

The Miami Heat can thank their neighbors in Central Florida for helping their playoffs cause.

The Orlando Magic defeated the New York Knicks 111-106 Thursday. The Magic were led by Paola Banchero's 21 points and Cole Anthony added 18 points. They had six players in double-figures.

Knicks leading scorer Julius Randle struggled for a second straight game, finishing with 23 points but on 7 of 20 shooting. The loss means the Knicks are now just 1.5 games ahead of the Heat for the No. 5 spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Knicks have now lost three straight games. They play the Heat March 29 in New York. The Heat won their first game of the season Wednesday in Miami.

The Heat also have a chance to gain ground on the Brooklyn Nets when the teams meet Saturday in Miami. The Heat are percentage points behind the Nets for the No. 6 seed, but the Nets hold the tiebreaker.

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