Pacers Edge Magic in Thrilling Finish
Monday, March 23, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Kia Center
Indiana Pacers 128, Orlando Magic 126, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Indiana Pacers vs Orlando Magic?
Indiana Pacers beat Orlando Magic 128-126 at Kia Center on March 23, 2026.
Who was favored in Indiana Pacers vs Orlando Magic?
Orlando Magic were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -535 (about 84% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Indiana Pacers narrowly defeated the Orlando Magic with a final score of 128-126. This victory marks the Pacers' first win in their last ten games, breaking a long streak of losses that had plagued them throughout March. The Pacers, who have struggled significantly this season with an away record of 16-56, managed to secure a much-needed win against the Magic, who have a home record of 38-33.
The game took place at the Kia Center and was part of a series where the Magic had previously won two out of three encounters against the Pacers this season, leading the series 2-1. The matchup was significant not only for the standings but also for the morale of the Pacers, who had been on a ten-game losing streak. Their last victory before this game was on March 15 against the Miami Heat.
In terms of scoring, the Magic had averaged 118.4 points over their last ten games but had been struggling recently, losing their last four games. They allowed an average of 113.9 points during that stretch. The Pacers, on the other hand, had averaged 111.5 points but had been allowing an alarming 125.8 points, showcasing their defensive struggles. This game continued that trend, as both teams traded baskets in a high-scoring affair.
The injury report also played a crucial role in this matchup. The Magic had several key players listed as day-to-day, including Franz Wagner, Izaiyah Nelson, and Jonathan Isaac, all of whom were dealing with various injuries. The Pacers faced their own challenges, with Tyrese Haliburton also listed as day-to-day due to an Achilles issue, while Johnny Furphy was ruled out with a knee injury. The absence or limited availability of these players could have impacted the teams' performances.
The betting odds from DraftKings indicated that the Magic were favored to win by 10.5 points, with a total set at 233.5. The odds reflected the Magic's stronger record and home-court advantage, but the Pacers defied expectations with their performance.
As the game progressed, key moments defined the outcome. Paolo Banchero was instrumental for the Magic, contributing significant points, including a crucial layup and free throws in the fourth quarter. Wendell Carter Jr. also made impactful plays, including a dunk that kept the Magic competitive in the closing moments. However, Andrew Nembhard's three-point shot for the Pacers proved decisive, helping them maintain their lead as the clock wound down.
The conditions of the game were competitive, with both teams showing a willingness to push the pace and score. The atmosphere at the Kia Center was electric, especially as the game came down to the wire. Fans witnessed a thrilling finish as both teams fought hard for every point.
Ultimately, the Pacers' victory not only provided a much-needed boost to their confidence but also showcased their resilience in overcoming a challenging season. For the Magic, this loss continues a troubling trend as they seek to regroup and find their footing in the closing weeks of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ORL -10.5 | 233.5 o -108 / u -112 | Indiana Pacers +400 · Orlando Magic -535 |
Injury report
- Franz WagnerDay-To-DayCalfOrlando Magic
- Izaiyah NelsonDay-To-DayAnkleOrlando Magic
- Jonathan IsaacDay-To-DayKneeOrlando Magic
- Tyrese HaliburtonDay-To-DayAchillesIndiana Pacers
- Johnny FurphyOutKneeIndiana Pacers
Leaders
- PointsPaolo Banchero39Orlando Magic
- AssistsDesmond Bane7Orlando Magic
- ReboundsGoga Bitadze7Orlando Magic
- PointsPascal Siakam37Indiana Pacers
- AssistsAndrew Nembhard14Indiana Pacers
- ReboundsAndrew Nembhard7Indiana Pacers
Recent form
Orlando Magic
Last 10: 6-4Streak L4118.4 scored · 113.9 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L104-105vs Los Angeles LakersMar 21
- L111-130at Charlotte HornetsMar 19
- L108-113vs Oklahoma City ThunderMar 17
- L112-124at Atlanta HawksMar 16
- W121-117at Miami HeatMar 15
- W136-131vs Washington WizardsMar 12
- W128-122vs Cleveland CavaliersMar 11
- W130-91at Milwaukee BucksMar 9
- W119-92at Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 7
- W115-114vs Dallas MavericksMar 6
Indiana Pacers
Last 10: 0-10Streak L10111.5 scored · 125.8 allowed per game0-7 away
- L119-134at San Antonio SpursMar 22
- L119-127vs Portland Trail BlazersMar 18
- L110-136at New York KnicksMar 17
- L123-134at Milwaukee BucksMar 15
- L92-101vs New York KnicksMar 13
- L108-123vs Phoenix SunsMar 12
- L109-114at Sacramento KingsMar 11
- L111-131at Portland Trail BlazersMar 9
- L117-128at Los Angeles LakersMar 7
- L107-130at LA ClippersMar 5
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
Box score
| Stat | Indiana Pacers | Orlando Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 45-82 | 48-94 |
| Field goal % | 55 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 16-35 | 12-34 |
| Three-point % | 46 | 35 |
| Free throws | 22-24 | 18-24 |
| Free throw % | 92 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 27 |
| Assists | 32 | 29 |
| Steals | 5 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 26 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 64 |
| Fouls | 21 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 78 | 20 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter95-86Jase Richardson makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot (Paolo Banchero assists)
- 3rd Quarter95-88Desmond Bane makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter95-89Desmond Bane makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter95-91Desmond Bane makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter96-91Micah Potter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter97-91Micah Potter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter97-93Desmond Bane makes 1-foot driving floating jump shot (Goga Bitadze assists)
- 3rd Quarter100-93Micah Potter makes 23-foot three point jumper (Andrew Nembhard assists)
- 3rd Quarter100-95Goga Bitadze makes 1-foot dunk (Desmond Bane assists)
- 3rd Quarter103-95Aaron Nesmith makes 23-foot three point jumper (T.J. McConnell assists)
- 4th Quarter103-97Desmond Bane makes driving layup (Goga Bitadze assists)
- 4th Quarter105-97Pascal Siakam makes 2-foot two point shot (Andrew Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter107-97Pascal Siakam makes running layup (Andrew Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter109-97T.J. McConnell makes layup
- 4th Quarter109-100Jamal Cain makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jase Richardson assists)
- 4th Quarter111-100T.J. McConnell makes 8-foot pullup jump shot (Andrew Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter111-103Tristan da Silva makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 4th Quarter113-103Pascal Siakam makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter113-104Goga Bitadze makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-105Goga Bitadze makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-107Paolo Banchero makes driving layup (Goga Bitadze assists)
- 4th Quarter116-107Aaron Nesmith makes 25-foot three point jumper (T.J. McConnell assists)
- 4th Quarter118-107Andrew Nembhard makes driving layup (Obi Toppin assists)
- 4th Quarter118-109Tristan da Silva makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot (Desmond Bane assists)
- 4th Quarter121-109Obi Toppin makes 26-foot three point jumper (Andrew Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter121-111Paolo Banchero makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter123-111Pascal Siakam makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter123-113Wendell Carter Jr. makes 1-foot dunk (Desmond Bane assists)
- 4th Quarter124-113Pascal Siakam makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-113Pascal Siakam makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-114Desmond Bane makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-116Tristan da Silva makes 1-foot dunk (Paolo Banchero assists)
- 4th Quarter125-118Paolo Banchero makes layup (Tristan da Silva assists)
- 4th Quarter125-119Paolo Banchero makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter125-121Wendell Carter Jr. makes dunk (Desmond Bane assists)
- 4th Quarter125-122Wendell Carter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter128-122Andrew Nembhard makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter128-124Paolo Banchero makes layup (Tristan da Silva assists)
- 4th Quarter128-125Paolo Banchero makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter128-126Paolo Banchero makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Orlando Magic, below favours Indiana Pacers.
Venue
- Kia CenterOrlando, FL
- Attendance17721
- OfficialsSean Wright, Suyash Mehta, Ashley Moyer-Gleich
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