Magic Defeat Wizards 120-105, Clinch Playoff Position

Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic with 30 points in a decisive 120-105 victory over the Washington Wizards, who have now lost three straight games. Wendell Carter Jr. contributed with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Franz Wagner added 21 points for the Magic, who are currently fighting for play-in tournament positioning in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to nine games, defeating the Miami Heat 102-98, with Fred VanVleet scoring 37 points. The Heat's loss marked their 10th consecutive defeat, the longest such streak since the 2007-08 season. In another matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the New Orleans Pelicans with a 134-93 win, highlighted by Julius Randle's 20 points, as the team aims for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. This victory marked Minnesota's largest margin of victory this season.