The New Orleans Pelicans seek an end to their losing streak against a struggling Orlando Magic team re-energized by Franz Wagner's return.
The New Orleans Pelicans have now lost seven straight games, with just four more on the schedule. They'll be back in town for their second-to-last home game on Easter Sunday against the Orlando Magic.
The Pelicans are now 25-53. They are a half-game behind the Memphis Grizzlies and a half-game above the Dallas Mavericks for those who are watching the draft lottery odds. While there's not much left to play for, James Borrego has stated that he wants to win both remaining home games, at least.
The Magic are 41-36, but 3-7 in their last 10 games. Finally having Franz Wagner back will probably bring a little bit more stability to the team down the stretch. Many believe that he's actually their best player.
Here is a quick rundown of important information to know before the game tips off on Sunday:
When is New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic
Date: Sunday, April 5, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM CT
Location: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans, LA)
How to Watch New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic
Streaming: Pelicans+, NBA League Pass, NBA TV
TV Channel: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Local Radio: WWL 870 AM
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic Betting Lines
Moneyline: ORL -198
Spread: ORL -4.5
Over/Under: 237.5
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic Projected Starting Lineups
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy, Saddiq Bey, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson
Magic: Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic Injury Updates
Pelicans:
Bryce McGowens (right small toe fracture) - Out
Karlo Matkovic (low back spasms) - Questionable
Trey Murphy III (right ankle sprain) - Questionable
Dejounte Murray (left hand contusion) - Questionable
Murphy finally returned to the court against the Sacramento Kings in their last game. He played 32 minutes and had 13 points on nine shots. This could just be resting with him just coming back from a multi-game absence. No reason to put too much stress on him too quickly.
Magic:
Anthony Black (left lateral abdominal strain) - Out
Colin Castleton (G League two-way) - Out
Jonathan Isaac (left knee sprain) - Out
Alex Morales (G League two-way) - Out
The biggest loss is Black, who has missed just under a month with this issue. He’s a 15-point-a-night guard and a rising part of their team. They’re 3-7 in their last 10 games. Franz Wagner recently returned from injury, though, and is a massive boon to their offense.
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