Magic can be pretty scary to deal with, but not when you are a wizard. The Washington Wizards were coming off a demoralizing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Still, they bounced back with a massive win over the Orlando Magic. The game ultimately came down to the wire, but it was not like that the entire time.

But Keefe’s theory, which adheres to the Wizards’ internal narrative of “stacking days” of diligent practice and professional habits, does not go quite far enough to explain why they’ve won five of seven games since Dec. 26, including a 120-112 victory Tuesday night over the Orlando Magic.

Halfway through the third quarter, it looked like the Wizards would coast to a blowout win over the Orlando Magic. They were up 26, the Magic kept bricking shots, fouling, and throwing the ball away,

The Orlando Magic could not complete what would've been the biggest comeback in franchise history against the Washington Wizards, losing 120-112. Will the Magic

Preview the Orlando Magic's NBA matchup with Washington, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.

The Washington Wizards held off a late surge Tuesday night to defeat the Orlando Magic, 120-112. Bilal Coulibaly opened the game with a steal and a slam for two of his seven first-quarter points. The 21-year-old wing drew the Paolo Banchero assignment and guarded him quite well.

CJ McCollum scored 27 points and steadied the Wizards after they nearly blew a 26-point lead as Washington held on for a 120-112 victory over the Orlando Magic

The two teams play for the second time this season. The Magic defeated the Wizards 125-94 in their last matchup on Nov. 1. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 28 points, and Kyshawn George led the Wizards with 17 points.

CJ McCollum scored 27 points and Alex Sarr added 23 to go along with eight rebounds, fueling the host Washington Wizards to a 120-112 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

On the same night the Wizards landed Trae Young from the Hawks, a shorthanded roster couldn’t keep the pace in a loss in Philadelphia.

Orlando Magic, favored by 7 points, face the Washington Wizards on January 6, 2026. The Magic, despite a strong season record, have struggled on the road recently. The Wizards, though underdogs, have shown improved scoring and a decent record against the spread in their last few outings.