Orlando Magic Playoff Rooting Guide April 1st, 2026

The Magic need to handle business, but they wouldn't mind some help either

Mar 31, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) brings the ball up court during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic have mightily fallen short of their pre season expectations. Injury, late game falters, coaching, whatever the answer is, the time for excuses is over as the Orlando Magic have 7 games remaining to move up the Eastern Conference standings and out of the play-in tournament.

That journey begins tonight in a marquee matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, one of the NBA's hottest teams that currently lies ahead of the Magic in the standings. A win against the Hawks will move the Magic just one and a half games back of the Hawks and potentially one back of the Raptors.

So of course, the Magic need to handle their business, but who can help the Magic around the league tonight?

"Tried to find my teammates. ... Just tried to play a complete game."

Paolo Bancheron the W against the Phoenix Suns 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/4GftzbMd1O

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 1, 2026

1. Boston Over Miami

Mar 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) works past Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images | Mady Mertens-Imagn Images

The Magic have already beat the Heat 5 times this season, going 5-0 against their in-state rival. But with that said, the Heat only trail the Magic by half a game. Miami has proven capable of getting hot at any point and has matchups with the Hawks and Raptors, both of whom sit in front of Orlando. A Miami loss will give the Magic cushion, even if they lose, helping the Magic avoid the dreaded 9/10 play-in games.

2. Sacramento Over Toronto

Mar 29, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) looks to pass the ball against Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Chaney Johnson (31) and guard Nolan Traore (88) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

Now at this point of the season, especially in the NBA. The tanking teams are established, the playoff teams are established, and so are the middling/play-in teams. For the Magic's sake tonight, one of the teams that can help them is in the tanking category. The Kings are taking on the Raptors who sit just two games in front of Orlando for the six seed. A Kings win could go a long way for Orlando, as long as they handle their business.

3. Washington Over Philadelphia

Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Washington Wizards guard Will Riley (27) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

It's much of the same in Washington as the Wizards take on the 76ers. Another team that could help the Magic that happens to be tanking. The 76ers are currently leading the Magic by one game, so a loss and a Magic win would tie the teams in the 7th spot, chasing the Raptors and Hawks.

More than anything, the Magic have to handle business and prove that they are capable of winning these big games, as every game down the stretch has immense meaning.

The Magic will be battle hardened as we approach the playoffs as well as they face not only the Hawks, but the Pistons, Timberwolves, and Celtics.

The play-in escape begins by taking care of business, but the Magic wouldn't mind some help.