Magic Aim to Rebound on Road Trip Starting Against Mavericks

Orlando looks to bounce back from home loss as it begins two-game road swing in Dallas

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:38am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action of a basketball game between the Orlando Magic and Dallas Mavericks, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the teams' respective color palettes.The Orlando Magic look to find their rhythm on the road as they battle the Dallas Mavericks in a crucial late-season matchup.Dallas Today

The Orlando Magic are hoping a two-game road trip, starting with a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, will help them get back on track after a frustrating home loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The Magic, who are two games out of a playoff spot with six games left, are looking for a spark from the return of forward Franz Wagner, who missed 22 straight games with an ankle injury. The Mavericks have struggled defensively of late, which could provide an opportunity for the Magic to find their offensive rhythm.

Why it matters

The Magic are in a tight race for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, so these next two road games against the Mavericks and Detroit Pistons could be crucial in determining their postseason fate. A strong showing on the road would help ease the frustration of their home fans and give the team confidence heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The details

The Magic are coming off a 130-101 home loss to the Hawks on Wednesday, a defeat that dropped them two games out of the sixth playoff spot in the East. Orlando struggled mightily from the field, making just 6 of 32 3-pointers. The return of forward Franz Wagner, who missed 22 straight games with a sprained ankle, could provide a boost, though he had a tough shooting night in limited minutes against Atlanta. The Mavericks have been one of the NBA's most defensively challenged teams, allowing the eighth-most points per game this season at 119.1. They've given up 120 or more points in 12 of their last 14 games.

  • The Magic and Mavericks will meet for the second and final time this season on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • The Magic will return home to face the Detroit Pistons on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Franz Wagner

A forward for the Orlando Magic who missed 22 straight games with a sprained ankle before returning in the loss to Atlanta, though he struggled with his shooting.

Paolo Banchero

A starting forward for the Orlando Magic who also struggled from the field in the loss to Atlanta, missing all of his 3-point attempts.

Jalen Suggs

A starting guard for the Orlando Magic who, like his teammates, missed all of his 3-point shots in the loss to Atlanta.

Wendell Carter Jr.

A starting center for the Orlando Magic who was unable to connect from beyond the arc in the loss to Atlanta.

Marvin Bagley III

A forward for the Dallas Mavericks who has played well since being acquired in a trade, scoring in double figures seven times in 18 games, though he is doubtful to play against the Magic due to a bruised shoulder.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, we feel the frustration from the outside. Trust me when I say that we are probably more frustrated in the locker room trying to figure this out. But this is the NBA. Judgment and frustration from the fans are all part of it. We get paid way too much money to play this game, so it is on us to figure it out.”

— Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic Forward

“Sometimes we all want to be someone else, and it just doesn't work out. The sooner you can recognize who you are, you can have success, which he was having this year even before he got to us.”

— Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks Head Coach

What’s next

The Magic will look to build on any momentum from the road trip when they return home to face the Detroit Pistons on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

The Magic's upcoming road trip, starting with a matchup against the defensively challenged Mavericks, represents a crucial opportunity for the team to get back on track and regain the confidence of their frustrated home fans as they fight for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.