Pelicans Seek to End 7-Game Skid Against Magic

New Orleans hosts Orlando in a matchup of Eastern and Western Conference foes.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 7:54am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team colors of the Pelicans and Magic.The Pelicans and Magic face off in a pivotal cross-conference matchup, with both teams seeking to improve their playoff positioning.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Orlando Magic in a cross-conference matchup, as the Pelicans look to snap a seven-game losing streak. The Pelicans currently sit in 12th place in the Western Conference with a 25-53 record, while the Magic are in 9th place in the Eastern Conference at 41-36.

Why it matters

The Pelicans have struggled mightily this season, and a win against the Magic could provide a much-needed boost as they look to end the year on a high note. For Orlando, a victory would help solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The details

The Pelicans have lost seven straight games, including a 112-103 defeat to the Toronto Raptors in their last outing. The Magic, meanwhile, are coming off a 120-115 win over the Chicago Bulls.

  • The game will take place on April 4, 2026.
  • Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM local time in New Orleans.

The players

New Orleans Pelicans

An NBA team based in New Orleans, Louisiana that competes in the Western Conference.

Orlando Magic

An NBA team based in Orlando, Florida that competes in the Eastern Conference.

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What they’re saying

“We know we need to turn things around quickly if we want to finish the season on a positive note.”

— Zion Williamson, Pelicans Forward

“This is a big game for us as we try to solidify our playoff position. We're expecting a tough battle against the Pelicans.”

— Markelle Fultz, Magic Guard

What’s next

The Pelicans will look to build on any momentum from this game as they play their final few games of the regular season, while the Magic will continue their push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

This matchup between the struggling Pelicans and the playoff-contending Magic highlights the stark differences between the two teams' seasons so far. A Pelicans win could provide a much-needed boost, while a Magic victory would further solidify their postseason aspirations.