Magic Beat Timberwolves 132-120 for Fourth Win

Orlando, Florida - The Orlando Magic secured their fourth consecutive victory with a decisive 132-120 win over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night at the Kia Center, bolstering their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Paolo Banchero paced the Magic with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Desmond Bane added 18 points and six assists. Franz Wagner contributed 17 points, and reserve center Goga Bitadze delivered 14 points and a season-high 15 rebounds. Jalen Suggs and Jevon Carter each scored 11 points, with Tristan da Silva adding 12. The balanced scoring effort helped Orlando improve to 44-36, moving them into seventh place in the East, half a game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers. With two road games remaining against Chicago on Friday and Boston on Sunday, the Magic could finish anywhere from sixth to ninth, securing either a direct playoff spot or a play-in tournament berth.

The Timberwolves, playing without several key contributors, put up a strong fight led by Terrence Shannon Jr.'s career-high 33 points, including 29 in the second half on 11-of-14 shooting and five of seven from three-point range. Jaden McDaniels, returning...