Magic Defeat Hawks, Gain Crucial Playoff Edge

The Orlando Magic secured a vital 119-112 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, with Paolo Banchero leading the charge with 33 points and 10 rebounds, strengthening their position in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament race. Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. also contributed significantly to the Magic's win, while Onyeka Okongwu matched his career high with 30 points and 14 rebounds for the Hawks. Despite Trae Young's 28 points and 10 assists, the Hawks have now lost four of their last five games, impacting their seed in the upcoming play-in tournament. The Magic's victory gives them a crucial one-game lead over the Hawks for the 7th seed, which is essential for securing home-court advantage. The Hawks, who recently broke a three-game losing streak against the Utah Jazz, continue to face challenges, especially with key players like Clint Capela and John Collins sidelined due to injuries.