Magic Look to Extend Winning Streak Against Pelicans

Orlando aims to lock up second winning season in three years with victory in New Orleans

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:22pm

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The Orlando Magic visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, looking to extend their winning streak against their Western Conference foe to nine games. The Magic have not lost to the Pelicans since December 2021 and have won eight straight in New Orleans. Orlando is trying to solidify its playoff position, while the Pelicans have been eliminated from postseason contention.

Why it matters

The Magic are in a tight race to finish in the top six in the Eastern Conference and avoid the play-in tournament. A win over the Pelicans would keep them in the hunt for that goal, while a loss would make their path more difficult with tough home games against Detroit and Minnesota coming up.

The details

The Magic are 17-19 on the road this season and 17-11 against Western Conference opponents. The Pelicans, meanwhile, are just 16-23 at home and 9-20 against East teams. Orlando won the first matchup between the teams this season, 128-118 on January 11, rallying from a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

  • The Magic and Pelicans last met on January 11, 2026.
  • Orlando hasn't lost to New Orleans since December 23, 2021.
  • The Magic have won 8 straight games in New Orleans, last losing there on January 18, 2017.

The players

Franz Wagner

Starting forward for the Orlando Magic.

Paolo Banchero

Starting forward for the Orlando Magic and Rookie of the Year candidate.

Zion Williamson

Starting forward for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Herb Jones

Starting guard for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Desmond Bane

Starting guard for the Orlando Magic who scored a game-high 27 points in the previous meeting.

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What they’re saying

“We've had their number lately, but we can't take them lightly. They've got some talented young players and we'll need to bring our A-game to get the win.”

— Wendell Carter Jr., Starting center, Orlando Magic

What’s next

A win on Sunday would put the Magic in a strong position to finish in the top 6 of the Eastern Conference standings, avoiding the play-in tournament. Their final two road games are against tough opponents in Chicago and Boston.

The takeaway

The Magic have dominated the Pelicans in recent years, but they can't afford to overlook New Orleans as they try to secure a favorable playoff position. A victory would keep Orlando in the hunt for a top-6 seed and avoid the play-in tournament.