Paolo Banchero, despite underwhelming shooting stats, made a significant impact in the Orlando Magic's Play-In Tournament win against the Atlanta Hawks, contributing with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. His ability to facilitate and draw fouls helped the Magic secure a 120-95 victory, earning them the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Notably, Banchero set the tone early, leading his team to a 32-17 first-quarter edge without making a field goal, finding teammates like Cole Anthony and Anthony Black for open looks. Coach Jamahl Mosley praised Banchero's playmaking and defensive efforts, highlighting the unseen elements that contributed to the team's success.

Cole Anthony emerged as a pivotal figure off the bench, scoring 26 points and dishing out six assists, leading the Orlando Magic to a decisive 120-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA play-in tournament. Paolo Banchero contributed significantly with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. added 19 points and seven rebounds. The Magic, who finished the regular season at 41-41, have secured the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and will face the Boston Celtics in the playoff's first round.

In contrast, the Hawks struggled to maintain momentum, with Trae Young scoring 28 points before receiving two technical fouls, resulting in an ejection with just under five minutes left in the game. Despite having reached the playoffs through the play-in scenario in two of the last three seasons, Atlanta now faces a must-win situation at home against the winner of the matchup between the Bulls and the Heat to clinch the eighth playoff seed.

As the season draws to a close, several NBA teams shift their focus to developing younger players, providing opportunities for rising talents to shine. The Philadelphia 76ers have taken this approach seriously, with Jared Butler emerging as a promising backcourt option, averaging 12.3 points and 5.5 assists over the last few weeks. Guerschon Yabusele has also shown significant improvement, contributing solidly to the frontcourt with consistent double-digit scoring. On the other hand, the Milwaukee Bucks are relying on their depth due to Damian Lillard's injury, with Kevin Porter and Ryan Rollins stepping up effectively. Additionally, players like Luke Kornet and Brice Sensabaugh are making their case for next season, while rookies like Adem Bona and Drew Timme are gaining traction in the fantasy landscape.

Paolo Banchero continued his impressive form, scoring 33 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to help the Orlando Magic secure a 119-112 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, marking their third consecutive win. This performance marked Banchero's third straight double-double and his 20th consecutive game scoring at least 20 points. The Magic's shooting was efficient, hitting 50% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range.

The win solidified Orlando's hold on the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, moving two games ahead of Atlanta, which has struggled recently with six losses in its last eight games. Franz Wagner contributed significantly with 22 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. added 17 points and a career-high six steals, showcasing a balanced team effort.

The 2025 NBA Draft is heating up as the Sweet 16 approaches, with top prospects like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper drawing attention. Flagg, expected to be the first pick, showcases both offensive and defensive prowess for Duke, while Harper is a promising guard from Rutgers with NBA lineage. Teams like the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz are strategizing their picks to bolster their rosters. The draft is not just limited to domestic talents, as international prospects like Nolan Traoré and Noa Essengue are also in the mix, providing diverse options for teams.

The Wizards are looking to solidify their future with Flagg, whose versatility could transform their franchise. The Jazz, holding the second pick, might consider trading down despite having a wealth of guard talent. The Charlotte Hornets could create a scoring powerhouse by drafting Ace Bailey, while the New Orleans Pelicans aim to complement Zion Williamson with high-flying talents like VJ Edgecombe. Other notable names like Derik Queen and Kasparas Jakučionis are also highlighted as potential game-changers for their respective teams.