In a thrilling playoff showdown, the Orlando Magic emerged victorious against the Boston Celtics with a narrow 95-93 win at the Kia Center. Franz Wagner's standout performance included multiple crucial buckets, notably a late three-pointer that contributed to the team's triumph. His athleticism was complemented by Anthony Black's explosive dunks, which excited the home crowd. Boston's Kristaps Porzingis posed significant challenges under the basket but ultimately fell short as Orlando's defense held strong.

Despite Jaylen Brown's efforts to lead Boston, including key free throws, the Magic's collective resilience shone through. Paolo Banchero's versatile playmaking helped Orlando maintain momentum, ensuring they secured the critical win that keeps their championship hopes alive. The game's tight finish, marked by strategic plays from both coaches, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

The Philadelphia 76ers have been sidelined from the 2025 playoffs after a challenging season, finishing with a 24-58 record. Key players, including Joel Embiid, faced significant injuries, limiting their time on the court together. In contrast, former Sixers showcased their skills during the postseason, notably with the Los Angeles Clippers defeating the Denver Nuggets 105-102. James Harden contributed 18 points and 7 assists, while Kawhi Leonard led with a stunning 39 points.

Harden's adept management of the offense was crucial in this away victory for the Clippers, exemplifying his ability to perform under pressure. Additionally, Nic Batum and Ben Simmons made contributions, scoring 6 and 2 points, respectively, highlighting the impact of former 76ers in the playoffs. The competitive energy shifts to the Intuit Dome as Game 3 approaches.

The NBA Wednesday slate features a critical matchup as the New York Knicks aim to secure their first victory against an elite Eastern Conference team this season, facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks are currently 0-2 against the Cavaliers and 0-3 against the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers, who are 4-1 in their last five games, are heavily favored in this matchup. Knicks' OG Anunoby is on a scoring streak, tallying at least 27 points in five consecutive games, with his prop bet set at 21.5 points, offering enticing odds for fantasy bettors.

Player props such as Derrick White for over 0.5 blocks and Ben Simmons for over 0.5 steals are generating interest due to favorable matchups and statistical trends. White's recent performance against the Grizzlies showcased his ability to block shots, while Simmons could benefit from increased minutes against a turnover-prone Pelicans team. Additionally, Alex Sarr's projected points, rebounds, and assists present a valuable opportunity for bettors, alongside Jarrett Allen, who has consistently rebounded this season.

The Los Angeles Lakers are ramping up their efforts to secure a favorable playoff seeding as they race against time in the Western Conference. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of treating each remaining game with urgency, and the Lakers showcased that spirit with a gritty 104-98 victory over the Houston Rockets. LeBron James played a pivotal role, sealing the game with clutch free throws and a critical block, while role players Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent each contributed 20 points off the bench.

With the win, the Lakers are still in contention for a higher seed, trailing the second-place Rockets by just 2.5 games. The game was hard-fought, and tensions flared on the court, highlighting the competitive nature of the playoff race. As the Lakers prepare for their upcoming rematch against the Rockets on April 11, the pressure intensifies to secure favorable playoff positioning in the highly competitive Western Conference.

The Brooklyn Nets faced an unfortunate defeat against the Los Angeles Clippers, losing 132-100, marking their sixth consecutive loss. Key injuries to Day’Ron Sharpe and Noah Clowney further weakened the Nets' lineup. Despite a promising start, the game spiraled out of control in the second quarter when the Clippers launched a 25-6 run, leading to a significant halftime deficit. Kawhi Leonard dominated the game, scoring 31 points, showcasing his skills with a high shooting percentage. The Nets' performance suffered due to 15 turnovers, leading to 24 points for the Clippers. Drew Timme made his NBA debut while Ben Simmons returned, but neither could change the outcome.