In a tightly contested matchup, the Dallas Mavericks triumphed over the Orlando Magic, securing a 101-92 victory. Jaden Hardy emerged as a key contributor off the bench, delivering 22 points with an impressive shooting performance, including five three-pointers, three of which came in a critical stretch during the third quarter. Anthony Davis, recently acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers, added 15 points and seven rebounds, playing just over his minute restriction to help the Mavericks clinch their fourth win in 14 games.

On the opposing side, Paolo Banchero showcased his scoring prowess with a stellar 35-point performance, complemented by 10 rebounds, though his team struggled with shooting, notably going 5 of 30 from beyond the arc. The Mavericks’ bench outscored the Magic’s second unit by a significant margin, highlighting their depth. This win propelled Dallas above Phoenix for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, while Orlando continued to struggle, now having lost seven of their last eight games at home.

The Orlando Magic and Dallas Mavericks both sit at 35-38, vying for a chance in the NBA Play-In Tournament as they meet in Orlando. The Magic come in hot with a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating the Charlotte Hornets, while the Mavericks are struggling, having lost five of their last seven games.

Orlando is favored by 7 points with an over/under set at 218.5 points. Star players Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero have been crucial for the Magic, with Wagner averaging 24.3 points and Banchero putting up over 25 points in four consecutive games. Meanwhile, the Mavericks rely on Naji Marshall, who has stepped up amid injuries, and sharpshooter Klay Thompson to turn their fortunes around.

Paolo Banchero showcased his scoring prowess with 32 points, leading the Orlando Magic to a 111-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. This performance marked Banchero's fourth consecutive game scoring 30 or more points, a feat achieved only by legends Shaquille O'Neal, Tracy McGrady, and Dwight Howard in Magic history. Banchero, feeling healthier and more in shape, emphasized his confidence and stamina as key factors in his recent success.

In a clutch performance, the Magic ended the game on a decisive 7-0 run, with Anthony Black contributing an impressive 20 points off the bench. The team is now looking to extend their winning streak to four against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night.