Orlando Magic @ Washington Wizards
Paolo Banchero has 33 points, career-best 18 rebounds as Magic beat Wizards 109-97
WASHINGTON -- — Paolo Banchero had 33 points, a career-high 18 rebounds and eight assists, and the Orlando Magic defeated the Washington Wizards 109-97 on Thursday night.
Franz Wagner added 27 points for the Magic, who won their second straight and sixth of eight to move a game ahead of Atlanta for the top Eastern Conference play-in tournament spot. Orlando has beaten Washington 10 straight times.
Rookie Bub Carrington scored a career-high 32 points and had nine rebounds for the Wizards in their second-to-last home game. The 14th overall selection in the NBA draft shot 12 of 18 overall and made a career-high seven of his 10 3-point attempts.
Orlando won comfortably despite letting what was a 19-point lead dwindle to three late in the third quarter.
Magic: Banchero's double-double was his 10th of the season. He bested his previous career mark of 16 rebounds, set on Nov. 5, 2022 against Sacramento.
Wizards: Carrington's seven 3s also set a Wizards rookie record. ... Coach Brian Keefe said before the game that Bilal Coulibaly (right hamstring) is unlikely to return this season. The second-year swingman's most recent appearance was on March 10.
Wagner scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter to give the Magic some breathing room, including his third 3-pointer of the night from the right wing, followed by a steal and dunk that stretched it to 88-76.
The Magic committed only 12 personal fouls, helping them to a 25-11 advantage in free throw attempts. Two of their fouls were flagrant.
The Wizards visit Boston for the final time on Sunday, while the Magic get a four-day break before hosting Atlanta on Tuesday.
------
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Matchups
Game Information
Washington, DC

Referee:Marc Davis
Referee:Nick Buchert
Referee:Intae Hwang

2025-26 Standings
| Southeast | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 46 | 36 | .561 | - | L1 |
| Orlando | 45 | 37 | .549 | 1 | L1 |
| Charlotte | 44 | 38 | .537 | 2 | W1 |
| Miami | 43 | 39 | .524 | 3 | W2 |
| Washington | 17 | 65 | .207 | 29 | L10 |
NBA News

NBA play-in tournament: Live updates from Wednesday's matchups
8h

Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Game Highlights
10h

Maxey scores 31 to lead Sixers past Magic for East's No. 7 seed
9h



