Orlando Magic Inches Closer to Playoffs with Win vs. New Orleans Pelicans

The Orlando Magic beat the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, clinching the season series and moving one step closer to a playoff berth.

Apr 3, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles against | Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is leaving the Big Easy on a happy flight following a 117-108 win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night at the Smoothie King Center.

While the Magic didn't start off the game firing on all cylinders, Orlando stayed in it and played by its principles. Eventually the Magic's hot shooting and strong defense propelled the team to a 20-point lead against the Pelicans.

Apr 3, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) reacts to a play | Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans wouldn't go away quietly, cutting its deficit to single digits in the waning moments of the game, but the Pelicans would never get close enough to make the Magic profusely sweat.

Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 32, marking the first time he's reached that milestone since Feb. 14. It's the ninth time this season Banchero has scored at least 30 points. Wendell Carter Jr. notched his third consecutive double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

For the Pelicans, CJ McCollum led all scorers with 36 points while Zion Williamson added 15 of his own.

With the win, the Magic now sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, 0.5 game ahead of the New York Knicks. The team is in striking distance of the No. 3 seed with the Cleveland Cavaliers just one game ahead.

The Magic is back in action on Friday night against the Charlotte Hornets. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.