In a decisive play-in tournament showdown, the Orlando Magic secured their playoff spot with a commanding 120-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Cole Anthony shined off the bench, contributing 26 points, while the Magic's bench outscored their counterparts, proving pivotal for the win. Orlando's offense was balanced, with Wendell Carter Jr. leading the starters with 19 points, followed by Paolo Banchero's 17 points alongside substantial contributions from Anthony Black and Franz Wagner.

The Magic's disciplined defense stifled the Hawks, especially after Trae Young was ejected late in the game. This victory not only boosts Orlando’s confidence as they prepare to face the defending champion Boston Celtics in the first round but also highlights their depth and ability to perform under pressure.

In an intriguing Eastern Conference matchup, the Indiana Pacers (49-31) face off against the Orlando Magic (40-40) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Indiana has home-court advantage, holding a stellar 29-11 record at home this season. However, the Magic have won two of the three meetings this season, with the home team winning every time. Notably, Orlando will rest key players, including Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, while Indiana will also be without Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam due to rest and injuries.

The Pacers are riding high on a six-game winning streak, recently topping the Cleveland Cavaliers in a close contest. Tyrese Haliburton has been instrumental, averaging a double-double in recent outings. Conversely, the Magic's bench, known for strong defensive stats, will need to step up significantly against Indiana's high-octane offense, especially with Indiana struggling to defend the rim and rebound effectively.

Bookmakers have set Indiana as 3.5-point favorites, with an over/under of 212.5 points, reflecting expectations of a tightly contested game. As the season approaches its conclusion, both teams have different stakes, with Indiana aiming for a higher playoff seed while Orlando is locked into the play-in tournament.

The Orlando Magic secured their second consecutive Southeast Division title with a decisive 96-76 victory over the Boston Celtics, clinching the seventh seed in the playoffs. Franz Wagner was the standout performer, scoring 23 points and marking his 12th consecutive game with 20 or more points. With this win, the Magic also gained home-court advantage for the upcoming play-in tournament.

Head coach Jamahl Mosley expressed his pride in the team's resilience, successfully navigating a season filled with injuries and lineup changes. Paolo Banchero added 15 points and six assists in the matchup. The Celtics, missing star players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, struggled to keep pace. The Magic will face the eighth seed at home on April 15, 2025.

The NBA betting landscape is heating up as teams prepare for critical matchups. As the Boston Celtics face the Orlando Magic, Franz Wagner's over on rebounds and assists looks enticing, especially with several Celtics regulars out. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers stands to benefit from increased scoring opportunities against the Dallas Mavericks. His recent performance has shown consistent improvement, making his over on points and assists a solid bet.

In other matchups, Kel'el Ware's rebounding prowess against the Chicago Bulls is noteworthy, and Christian Braun's scoring potential for the Denver Nuggets against the Sacramento Kings is on the rise. The Philadelphia 76ers' Bub Carrington is also primed for a productive game against the Washington Wizards, especially with Jordan Poole absent. As the betting odds fluctuate, these insights can guide fantasy basketball decisions amidst a packed schedule.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have secured the top seed in the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs, finishing the regular season with an impressive 63-16 record after defeating the Chicago Bulls 135-113. Darius Garland led the charge with 28 points, contributing to a balanced offensive output where five players scored in double digits.

This victory not only guarantees home-court advantage throughout the playoffs but also boosts the team’s morale heading into postseason play. Coach Kenny Atkinson praised the team for their significant achievement against a competitive league, stating, "It's hard to win 63 games in this league." With a strong performance in the second quarter, the Cavs were able to pull away from the Bulls and maintain a comfortable lead throughout the game. Garland’s confident remarks to the fans indicate a strong belief in their potential as they prepare for the playoffs.