Tip‑Off is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT / 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Smoothie King Center, 1501 Girod Street, New Orleans, LA
Injury Report
Orlando Magic
Franz Wagner – Out (ankle)
Jonathan Isaac – Out (knee)
Anthony Black – Out (abdomen)
New Orleans Pelicans
Josh Oduro – GTD (ankle)
Bryce McGowens – GTD (toe)
Hunter Dickinson – GTD (personal)
Trey Murphy III – GTD (ankle)
Team Records & Standings
Orlando Magic (41–36)
2nd in Southeast Division
Recent form: W–L–W–L–W (last 5)
New Orleans Pelicans (25–53)
5th in Southwest Division
Recent form: L–L–L–L–L (last 5)
Recent Team Form & Statistical Profile
Orlando Magic
115.3 PPG scored, 115.1 PPG allowed
46% FG, 43.2 RPG, 26.3 APG
Recent results include:
W 115–111 vs PHX
L 139–87 @ TOR
W 121–117 vs SAC
L 136–131 @ CLE
L 128–126 vs IND
New Orleans Pelicans
115.1 PPG scored, 119.5 PPG allowed
47% FG, 43.8 RPG, 25.2 APG
Recent results include:
L 134–102 vs HOU
L 119–106 @ TOR
L 129–108 @ DET
L 121–116 @ NY
L 111–106 vs CLE
Series History
Orlando leads the all‑time head‑to‑head 30–20.
Recent matchups:
Jan 11, 2026: Magic 128, Pelicans 118
Oct 16, 2025: Magic 132, Pelicans 125
Mar 13, 2025: Magic 113, Pelicans 93
Nov 8, 2024: Magic 115, Pelicans 88
Apr 3, 2024: Magic 117, Pelicans 108
Orlando has dominated the matchup over the past three seasons.
Key Player Matchups
Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero: 22.6 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 5.3 APG (team leader)
Desmond Bane: 20.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.2 APG; 2.1 made threes per game
Jalen Suggs: 1.9 steals per game (defensive catalyst)
New Orleans Pelicans
Trey Murphy III: 21.7 PPG, 3.8 APG, 5.7 RPG; 3.2 made threes per game (if active)
Derik Queen: 11.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.7 APG (versatile interior presence)
Yves Missi: 1.5 blocks per game (rim protection)
Matchup Analysis
Why Orlando Has the Edge
Better record and more consistent form.
Superior defensive turnover creation (14.7 forced per game).
Pelicans on a five‑game losing streak with defensive issues (119.5 PPG allowed).
Why New Orleans Could Compete
Nearly identical scoring output (115.1 PPG).
Home‑court advantage at Smoothie King Center.
If Trey Murphy III plays, Pelicans gain a high‑efficiency perimeter scorer.
X‑Factors
Magic injuries (Wagner, Isaac, Black) reduce defensive versatility.
Pelicans’ questionable players could swing the matchup if cleared.
Pace: Both teams score efficiently but allow high percentages, suggesting a high‑total environment.
Betting Trends
Team Trends
Magic: alternating wins and losses in last 5; inconsistent but higher ceiling.
Pelicans: 0–5 in last 5; defense allowing 120+ regularly.
Statistical Angles
Both teams average 115+ PPG, and both allow 115+ PPG → strong OVER environment.
Orlando’s turnover advantage vs. Pelicans’ weak defensive rebounding suggests extra Magic possessions.
Game Odds
Orlando Magic – 4.5
New Orleans Pelicans 235.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, April 4, 2026
