New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
Orlando MagicOpen full analysis
The Orlando Magic defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 128–118 on January 11 at Kia Center, with D. Bane leading the hosts with 27 points and A. Black adding 26 in a balanced offensive effort. Orlando shot 52.4 percent from the field and made 11 three-pointers while limiting turnovers to just 11, posting a 131.4 offensive rating that proved decisive. New Orleans, despite shooting 57.5 percent and connecting on 14 threes, struggled with ball security (14 turnovers) and a fourth-quarter collapse—scoring just 20 points in the final frame after posting 39 in the third. Z. Williamson led the Pelicans with 22 points and T. Murphy III contributed 21, but the combined 27 assists and defensive rating of 131.4 could not overcome Orlando's execution down the stretch. The game finished well below the Vegas total of 236.5, reflecting both teams' defensive adjustments in the latter stages. Orlando's strong finish positions them favorably in the Eastern Conference standings.
