Paolo Banchero poured in 31 points and Desmond Bane added 25 as the Orlando Magic strengthened their late-season playoff push with a 123–107 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night.
Jalen Suggs delivered a standout all-around performance with 12 points, 12 assists, six rebounds and three steals, helping Orlando win for the fourth time in its last five games as the Eastern Conference playoff race tightens heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Detroit, already locked into the top playoff seed in the East, rested several key contributors and played without eight players overall, including Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert and All-Star Cade Cunningham, who missed his 11th consecutive game with a collapsed lung.
Despite missing forward Franz Wagner due to ankle injury management, Orlando maintained control for most of the night and showcased balanced scoring across the roster.
Anthony Black made an impactful return after missing 15 games with an abdominal strain, scoring 14 points in just 15 minutes off the bench and providing energy on both ends of the floor.
The game’s momentum shifted early in the second quarter when Bane knocked down two 3-pointers in a 16-second span, giving Orlando a 33–31 lead — a lead the Magic never surrendered.
Later, Banchero helped break things open with back-to-back baskets during a 12–0 third-quarter run that extended Orlando’s advantage to 26 points and appeared to put the game out of reach.
Detroit mounted one final push late in the fourth quarter behind Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green, who each scored 17 points, while Jalen Duren and Daniss Jenkins added 18 apiece.
A Jenkins three-pointer trimmed Orlando’s lead to just three points with 4:07 remaining, but the Magic responded quickly with a closing surge to seal the win.
Detroit struggled to maintain offensive rhythm throughout the night, committing 21 turnovers, which Orlando converted into key scoring opportunities.
While the Pistons’ postseason positioning is already secure, Orlando remains locked in a tight battle in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings. With three games remaining, the Magic still have a path to finish as high as sixth — though they could also slip as low as 10th, underscoring the importance of every remaining matchup.
The victory keeps momentum firmly on Orlando’s side as they continue their late push toward avoiding the play-in round.
Pistons host Milwaukee on Wednesday, Magic host Minnesota on Wednesday in another key matchup with playoff implications.
