New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic Match Series Analysis: 2025 NBA Season

The New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic squared off in a single preseason matchup on October 16, 2025, at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, offering an early glimpse into both teams’ 2025-26 campaigns amid roster tweaks and preseason tune-ups. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the contest, focusing on player stats, game summary, and analysis, sourced from verified platforms including NBA.com, ESPN, and FOX Sports. As a standalone preseason game, it highlighted Orlando’s balanced scoring and defensive versatility against New Orleans’ interior dominance led by Zion Williamson. Below, we delve into the game, including individual performances, key moments, and team context.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Basketball
• League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: New Orleans Pelicans vs Orlando Magic Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: October 16, 2025
• Series Result: Magic won the matchup 1–0 (preseason)

Series Overview: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic, 2025 NBA Preseason

The New Orleans Pelicans (2-2 preseason, 0-1 away) fell to the Orlando Magic (4-0 preseason, 2-0 home) 132-125 on October 16, 2025. Orlando pulled away in the fourth quarter with a 40-36 edge, shooting 55.6% from the field and 45.2% from three, while New Orleans shot 51.6% FG but struggled from deep (29.0% 3PT). The game featured 247 combined points, with Orlando’s 33 assists and 7 blocks showcasing their fluidity. Below is the summary:

• Game 1 (October 16, 2025): Orlando Magic 132, New Orleans Pelicans 125

The Magic extended their unbeaten preseason streak, leveraging a 19-point largest lead and 24 points off 15 Pelicans turnovers, while New Orleans generated 20 points off Orlando’s 16 turnovers but couldn’t overcome 27 fouls.

Game 1: Orlando Magic 132, New Orleans Pelicans 125 (October 16, 2025)

Game Summary

The Orlando Magic improved to 4-0 in preseason with a 132-125 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on October 16, 2025, at the Kia Center. Orlando jumped to a 38-21 first-quarter lead, but New Orleans rallied with 33 points in the second to cut it to 61-54 at halftime. The third saw the Pelicans tie it briefly, but the Magic’s bench depth and free-throw accuracy (28-35, 80.0%) sealed a fourth-quarter surge. Paolo Banchero’s 19 points and 10 rebounds paced Orlando, while Zion Williamson’s efficient 18 points highlighted New Orleans’ fightback.

Key Player Stats: New Orleans Pelicans

Starters:

• Zion Williamson (PF #1): 22 MIN, 9-11 FG (81.8%), 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, 1 OREB, 4 DREB, 5 REB, 6 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 4 TO, 3 PF, +4 +/-, 18 PTS. Williamson dominated inside with efficient scoring and playmaking, including a key assist in the third-quarter run.
• Herbert Jones (SF #2): 21 MIN, 1-4 FG (25.0%), 0-0 3PT, 5-6 FT (83.3%), 0 OREB, 3 DREB, 3 REB, 1 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, -11 +/-, 7 PTS. Jones provided perimeter defense with two steals but struggled offensively.
• Yves Missi (C #21): 22 MIN, 3-6 FG (50.0%), 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, 4 OREB, 3 DREB, 7 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, +7 +/-, 6 PTS. Missi grabbed crucial offensive boards, contributing to second-chance points.
• Jordan Poole (SG #3): 25 MIN, 7-15 FG (46.7%), 2-8 3PT (25.0%), 5-5 FT (100%), 0 OREB, 0 DREB, 0 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, +10 +/-, 21 PTS. Poole’s scoring burst in the fourth kept New Orleans close, hitting 5-5 FT.
• Trey Murphy III (SF #25): 23 MIN, 7-14 FG (50.0%), 4-8 3PT (50.0%), 0-0 FT, 0 OREB, 7 DREB, 7 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 3 PF, +2 +/-, 18 PTS. Murphy’s hot three-point shooting (4-8) fueled the comeback.

Bench:

• Christian Shumate (#42): 8 MIN, 2-2 FG (100%), 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, 1 OREB, 0 DREB, 1 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, 0 +/-, 4 PTS. Efficient scoring off the bench.
• Hunter Dickinson (#4): 23 MIN, 6-9 FG (66.7%), 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, 2 OREB, 3 DREB, 5 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, -9 +/-, 12 PTS. Dickinson added rebounding and transition assists.
• Jose Alvarado (#15): 13 MIN, 0-3 FG (0.0%), 0-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-0 FT, 0 OREB, 2 DREB, 2 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, -2 +/-, 0 PTS. Defensive energy but no scoring.
• Jaden Springer (#9): 4 MIN, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 2-2 FT (100%), 0 OREB, 0 DREB, 0 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, +5 +/-, 2 PTS. Perfect from the line in limited action.
• Micah Peavy (#14): 24 MIN, 1-4 FG (25.0%), 0-3 3PT (0.0%), 0-0 FT, 3 OREB, 1 DREB, 4 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 3 PF, -10 +/-, 2 PTS. Contributed rebounding but inefficient shooting.
• Trey Alexander (#23): 7 MIN, 1-1 FG (100%), 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, 0 OREB, 0 DREB, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, -2 +/-, 2 PTS. Perfect efficiency in spot minutes.
• Bryce McGowens (#11): 10 MIN, 1-3 FG (33.3%), 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, 1 OREB, 0 DREB, 1 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, -3 +/-, 2 PTS.
• Jordan Hawkins (#24): 17 MIN, 6-11 FG (54.5%), 2-7 3PT (28.6%), 1-1 FT (100%), 0 OREB, 1 DREB, 1 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, -21 +/-, 15 PTS. Hawkins led bench scoring with volume threes.
• Jeremiah Fears (#0): 22 MIN, 5-12 FG (41.7%), 1-4 3PT (25.0%), 5-6 FT (83.3%), 3 OREB, 3 DREB, 6 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TO, 0 PF, -5 +/-, 16 PTS. Strong rebounding and FT shooting.

Inactives: Kevon Looney (#55), Saddiq Bey (#41), Derik Queen (#22), Karlo Matkovic (#17), Dejounte Murray (#5) (DNP-Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 49-95 FG (51.6%), 9-31 3PT (29.0%), 18-20 FT (90.0%), 15 OREB, 27 DREB, 42 REB, 24 AST, 6 STL, 2 BLK, 15 TO, 27 PF, 125 PTS. New Orleans excelled in paint scoring (72 points) but committed 15 turnovers leading to 24 Orlando points.

Key Player Stats: Orlando Magic

Starters:

• Paolo Banchero (PF #5): 30 MIN, 6-11 FG (54.5%), 2-3 3PT (66.7%), 5-6 FT (83.3%), 1 OREB, 9 DREB, 10 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 4 TO, 3 PF, +5 +/-, 19 PTS. Banchero’s double-double anchored the frontcourt with rim protection.
• Franz Wagner (SF #22): 25 MIN, 8-14 FG (57.1%), 3-6 3PT (50.0%), 5-6 FT (83.3%), 2 OREB, 0 DREB, 2 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, -1 +/-, 24 PTS. Wagner’s scoring efficiency and steals sparked transitions.
• Wendell Carter Jr. (C #34): 29 MIN, 5-8 FG (62.5%), 1-2 3PT (50.0%), 3-5 FT (60.0%), 4 OREB, 3 DREB, 7 REB, 6 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, +9 +/-, 14 PTS. Carter facilitated with 6 assists and blocked shots.
• Tyus Jones (PG #2): 24 MIN, 2-4 FG (50.0%), 1-2 3PT (50.0%), 0-0 FT, 0 OREB, 1 DREB, 1 REB, 5 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 1 PF, 0 +/-, 5 PTS. Jones orchestrated the offense with crisp passing.
• Desmond Bane (SG #3): 28 MIN, 3-9 FG (33.3%), 0-4 3PT (0.0%), 5-5 FT (100%), 0 OREB, 1 DREB, 1 REB, 2 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 3 PF, +6 +/-, 11 PTS. Bane struggled from three but was perfect at the line.

Bench:

• Jonathan Isaac (#1): 13 MIN, 6-7 FG (85.7%), 0-1 3PT (0.0%), 1-1 FT (100%), 0 OREB, 6 DREB, 6 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, +12 +/-, 13 PTS. Isaac’s near-perfect shooting and blocks were game-changers.
• Jamal Cain (#8): 4 MIN, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-2 FT (50.0%), 0 OREB, 0 DREB, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, -5 +/-, 1 PTS.
• Tristan da Silva (#23): 15 MIN, 2-5 FG (40.0%), 1-1 3PT (100%), 2-2 FT (100%), 1 OREB, 1 DREB, 2 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, +8 +/-, 7 PTS. Da Silva contributed multi-faceted play.
• Noah Penda (#93): 4 MIN, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-2 FT (50.0%), 0 OREB, 0 DREB, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, -5 +/-, 1 PTS.
• Goga Bitadze (#35): 11 MIN, 3-3 FG (100%), 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, 2 OREB, 3 DREB, 5 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, -2 +/-, 6 PTS. Bitadze was flawless from the field.
• Orlando Robinson (#7): 4 MIN, 3-3 FG (100%), 1-1 3PT (100%), 0-0 FT, 1 OREB, 0 DREB, 1 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 1 PF, -5 +/-, 7 PTS. Robinson provided instant offense.
• Lester Quinones (#24): 3 MIN, 2-2 FG (100%), 1-1 3PT (100%), 0-0 FT, 0 OREB, 0 DREB, 0 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, -6 +/-, 5 PTS.
• Anthony Black (#0): 21 MIN, 3-7 FG (42.9%), 2-5 3PT (40.0%), 3-4 FT (75.0%), 0 OREB, 1 DREB, 1 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 4 PF, +12 +/-, 11 PTS. Black’s steals and threes boosted the bench.
• Jett Howard (#13): 16 MIN, 1-4 FG (25.0%), 1-2 3PT (50.0%), 2-2 FT (100%), 0 OREB, 1 DREB, 1 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 0 PF, +6 +/-, 5 PTS.
• Jase Richardson (#11): 13 MIN, 1-4 FG (25.0%), 1-3 3PT (33.3%), 0-0 FT, 1 OREB, 0 DREB, 1 REB, 6 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, +1 +/-, 3 PTS. Richardson dished 6 assists in extended minutes.

Inactives: Phillip Wheeler (#20), Colin Castleton (#14) (DNP-Coach’s Decision); Jalen Suggs (#4) (DNP-Left Knee Rehab); Javonte Smart (#17), Reece Beekman (#26) (DNP-Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 45-81 FG (55.6%), 14-31 3PT (45.2%), 28-35 FT (80.0%), 12 OREB, 26 DREB, 38 REB, 33 AST, 6 STL, 7 BLK, 16 TO, 22 PF, 132 PTS. Orlando’s 7 blocks and 33 assists reflected strong team ball movement.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (ORL 38, NO 21): Orlando opened with a 38-21 explosion, led by Banchero’s 8 points and Wagner’s transition scoring, setting a 17-point tone.
• Second Quarter (ORL 61, NO 54): New Orleans responded with 33 points, including Poole’s 10 and Murphy’s 3 threes, cutting the lead to 7 at halftime.
• Third Quarter (ORL 92, NO 89): The Pelicans outscored Orlando 35-31, tying briefly on Williamson’s layup, but Carter Jr.’s block preserved a slim edge.
• Fourth Quarter (ORL 132, NO 125): Magic closed with 40 points, including Isaac’s 13 off the bench and Black’s 2 threes, while New Orleans fouled 10 times, sending Orlando to the line 15 times.

Head-to-Head Analysis

As a single preseason game, Orlando’s 132-125 win showcased their depth (bench scored 59 points to New Orleans’ 53) and three-point edge (14-9). Magic held a +1 rebound margin despite Pelicans’ paint dominance (72-56 points in paint). Orlando’s 45.2% 3PT vs. New Orleans’ 29.0% proved decisive, with 14 fast-break points each but Magic generating 20 off turnovers. Preseason context: Orlando undefeated (4-0), New Orleans competitive but turnover-prone (15 TO).

Series Standouts

New Orleans Pelicans

• Zion Williamson: Game-high efficiency (9-11 FG, 18 PTS, 6 AST); controlled the paint with +4 +/- despite turnovers.
• Jordan Poole: 21 PTS on 7-15 FG, including clutch fourth-quarter scoring and perfect FTs.
• Trey Murphy III: 18 PTS with 4-8 3PT; sparked the halftime rally.

Orlando Magic

• Franz Wagner: Team-high 24 PTS on 8-14 FG, with 3 threes and 2 steals for transition fuel.
• Paolo Banchero: Double-double (19 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK); led starters with versatile play.
• Jonathan Isaac: Bench spark with 13 PTS on 6-7 FG and 2 blocks in 13 MIN.

Team Performance Context

New Orleans Pelicans (2-2 Preseason, 0-1 Away): Showed offensive promise (125 PTS, 51.6% FG) but fouls (27) and threes (9-31) highlighted areas for refinement. Williamson’s return bodes well for regular season, but bench inconsistency (Hawkins’ 15 PTS offset by Peavy’s 2) needs addressing.

Orlando Magic (4-0 Preseason, 2-0 Home): Undefeated streak underscores balance (33 AST, 7 BLK) and shooting (55.6% FG). Banchero-Wagner duo thrives, but Suggs’ knee rehab looms for opener. Defense allowed 125 but forced 15 TO.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Pelicans: All active players participated; no major injuries reported, though preseason load management for Murray noted as DNP.
• Magic: Jalen Suggs (left knee rehab, DNP); others fit, with Wheeler and Castleton DNP-Coach’s Decision.

Conclusion

The Orlando Magic edged the New Orleans Pelicans 132-125 in their October 16, 2025, preseason clash, extending their perfect record behind Franz Wagner’s 24 points and Paolo Banchero’s double-double, while New Orleans’ Zion Williamson (18 points efficiently) and Jordan Poole (21 points) kept it close until late fouls doomed them. Orlando’s three-point barrage (14-31) and bench production highlighted their depth, contrasting New Orleans’ paint strength but shooting woes. As preseason finale, it signals Magic’s contender potential and Pelicans’ tweak needs. For full box scores and highlights, visit NBA.com, ESPN, or FOX Sports.

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