Pelicans Lose Composure, Game To Orlando Magic As Late Season Slump Continues

New Orleans has lost seven straight games to the Orlando Magic at home.

New Orleans, LA - New Orleans' slump against the Magic continues, with the Pelicans dropping another home game 117-108 on Wednesday night at the Smoothie King Center. The loss marks the seventh straight home loss for the Pelicans against the Orlando Magic. The Pels' loss puts them just a half-game ahead of the Phoenix Suns for the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Brandon Ingram missed his seventh straight game with a knee injury.

The Pelicans came out with a sense of urgency to start the game, pounding the ball inside the paint and scoring 16 of their 26 first-quarter points in the paint. They held the Magic to 7/20 shooting from the field, but the Magic attempted ten free throws in the period to keep the game close. Paolo Banchero led all scorers with eight first-quarter points, while Zion Williamson scored six to lead New Orleans. The Pelicans held a 26-24 lead after a quarter of play.

New Orleans' offense became stagnant in the second quarter, and the Magic turned the ball by pounding the ball inside on the Pels. Orlando scored 22 of their 34 points in the paint and outrebounded the Pelicans 23-17. Zion was held to just three points in the quarter, but the Pelicans bench finally contributed. Naji Marshall scored eight first-half points to boost a bench that has struggled lately. During this current home stand, the Pels bench averaged 17 points a game. Orlando led 58-55 at halftime.

Orlando opened the third quarter with a 10-2 run, extending their lead to double-digits. The Magic's elite defense put on a clinic in the third quarter, holding the Pelicans to 21 points on 35% shooting. Orlando's Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner combined to outscore New Orleans themselves, while the Magic shot over 70% from the field.

New Orleans mounted a comeback late in the fourth quarter that fell short after the Pelicans lost their composure down the stretch. The Pelicans were called for four technical fouls in the final period, including three Pels players to get ejected. Zion Williamson was called for one with about seven minutes left in the period and did not return after an apparent finger issue. During the last four and a half minutes of the game, New Orleans managed just nine total points. Banchero led all Magic scorers with 32 points, while CJ McCollum scored a game-high 36 points.

The Pelicans have one final game left on this current home stand against the San Antonio Spurs before hitting the road for four games as the season winds down. New Orleans looks to avoid the Play-In Tournament for the third straight season.