The Orlando Magic improved to 4-0 in the preseason after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 132-125 at the Kia Center on Thursday.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 24 points, combining sharp shooting from beyond the arc and aggressive drives to the basket. Paolo Banchero added 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 14 points and seven boards. Orlando shot 55.6% from the field and made 45.2% of their 3-pointers.
The Magic jumped to an early lead with a 38-point first quarter, outscoring New Orleans 38-21. Wagner and Banchero connected on key baskets that set the tone, while Tyus Jones orchestrated the offense with five assists in the first half. Orlando maintained the advantage through the second and third quarters, despite a Pelicans surge behind Jordan Poole and Zion Williamson.
Poole scored 21 points, and Williamson finished with 18, helping New Orleans keep the game close. Herbert Jones added seven points, and Trey Murphy III chipped in 18, but the Pelicans struggled from long range, converting only 29% of 3-point attempts. New Orleans also recorded 15 turnovers, allowing Orlando to capitalize in transition.
The Magic bench contributed 33 points, with Jonathan Isaac scoring 13 and Anthony Black adding 11. Orlando’s depth proved decisive as they withstood a late Pelicans push in the fourth quarter. Franz Wagner continued to dominate, scoring 20 points in the second half and securing several steals that led to fast-break opportunities.
New Orleans rotated heavily, giving minutes to rookies and role players, but defensive lapses allowed Orlando to maintain a double-digit lead for much of the second half. The Magic recorded 38 rebounds and forced 15 turnovers.
