Live Updates: News, Scores & Highlights from Saturday's NBA Action

Desmond Bane leads Magic to 119-92 win over Timberwolves, 76ers and Hawks battle for playoff positioning

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The NBA action on Saturday featured a dominant performance by the Orlando Magic, who defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-92 behind Desmond Bane's team-high 30 points. The evening games include a matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks, as well as the Brooklyn Nets visiting the Detroit Pistons.

Why it matters

Saturday's NBA games have significant implications for the playoff race, with the 76ers, Hawks, and Magic all jockeying for position in the Eastern Conference standings. The outcome of these games could impact seeding and play-in tournament positioning as the regular season winds down.

The details

In the afternoon game, the Orlando Magic cruised to a 119-92 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Desmond Bane led the way for the Magic with 30 points. Later in the evening, the Philadelphia 76ers will visit the Atlanta Hawks in a matchup of two teams currently tied for a playoff spot. The Brooklyn Nets will also take on the Detroit Pistons.

  • The Magic-Timberwolves game tipped off at 3:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • The 76ers-Hawks and Nets-Pistons games are scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. ET start on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Desmond Bane

A 25-year-old shooting guard for the Orlando Magic who scored a team-high 30 points in their 119-92 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Tyrese Maxey

A 24-year-old point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who is in the starting lineup for their game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Quentin Grimes

A 23-year-old shooting guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who is in the starting lineup for their game against the Atlanta Hawks.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight's starting five is going to be a tough matchup for the Hawks.”

— Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers Point Guard (Twitter)

“We're ready to battle for that playoff spot tonight against the 76ers.”

— Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Point Guard (Instagram)

What’s next

The outcomes of the 76ers-Hawks and Nets-Pistons games will provide more clarity on the Eastern Conference playoff picture, with seeding and play-in tournament positioning still to be determined.

The takeaway

Saturday's NBA action features several key matchups with significant playoff implications, as teams jockey for position in the crowded Eastern Conference standings. The Magic's blowout win over the Timberwolves sets the stage for an exciting evening of basketball.