Orlando MagicOpen full analysis
New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
Orlando defeated New Orleans 112–108 on April 5 at Smoothie King Center in a defensive struggle that finished well below the Vegas total of 236.5 points. The Magic's Desmond Bane led all scorers with 27 points, supported by Paolo Banchero's 23 points, while the Pelicans countered with Shai Bey's 32-point effort and Jamal Fears adding 19. Orlando's balanced attack proved decisive: the Magic distributed 27 assists to New Orleans's 18, converted 7 three-pointers against the Pelicans' 10, and dominated the glass with 57 rebounds to 47. The fourth quarter epitomized the difference, with Orlando outscoring New Orleans 31–20 in the final frame after trailing or tied through three quarters. Despite shooting just 41.7 percent from the field, New Orleans's 15 turnovers and Orlando's defensive rating of 102.0 limited the Pelicans' scoring opportunities. The Magic's superior ball movement and rebounding edge proved too much late, improving their postseason positioning with a road victory.
