Magic Defeat Undermanned Timberwolves for Fourth Straight Win

Orlando's bench steps up to secure victory in final home game of the regular season.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in the colors of the Magic and Timberwolves uniforms.The Magic's balanced attack and strong bench play overwhelm the short-handed Timberwolves in the final home game of the regular season.Today in Orlando

The Orlando Magic defeated the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves 132-120 on Wednesday night at Kia Center. Paolo Banchero led the way for Orlando with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while the Magic's bench outscored the Timberwolves' reserves 62-60. Minnesota was missing several key players due to rest and injury, including Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley.

Why it matters

The win extends Orlando's winning streak to four games as they continue to push for a favorable playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. The Magic have now won 6 of their last 8 games, solidifying their status as a team on the rise in the NBA.

The details

The Magic got off to a strong start, with Paolo Banchero scoring 9 points in the opening frame. Banchero finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Franz Wagner also had a solid game for Orlando, scoring 17 points before leaving briefly in the third quarter with a left knee scare. However, Wagner was able to return to the game. The Magic's bench provided a major boost, with Goga Bitadze recording a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds, and Tristan da Silva and Jevon Carter also reaching double figures in scoring.

  • The Magic finished the regular season with a 25-15 record at home.
  • Orlando will play their final two games of the regular season on the road, starting Friday at Chicago.

The players

Paolo Banchero

The rookie forward led the Magic with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

Franz Wagner

The German forward scored 17 points before briefly leaving the game with a left knee scare, but was able to return.

Goga Bitadze

The Magic center recorded a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds off the bench.

Tristan da Silva

The second-year forward scored 12 points in 20 minutes off the bench for Orlando.

Jevon Carter

The reserve guard knocked down three 3-pointers and finished with 11 points for the Magic.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to give our fans a performance they would enjoy in the final home game of the regular season.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Magic Head Coach

What’s next

The Magic will look to continue their strong play on the road, starting with a matchup against the Chicago Bulls on Friday.

The takeaway

Orlando's balanced scoring effort and strong bench play proved too much for the short-handed Timberwolves, as the Magic continue to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.