Orlando Magic Edge Pacers in Thriller as Indiana’s Losing Streak Hits 10 Games
In a dramatic finish to 2025, Paolo Banchero’s clutch basket with 7.5 seconds left sealed a 112-110 victory for the Orlando Magic over the Indiana Pacers. The win underscored Orlando’s defensive grit while extending a nightmarish stretch for the Pacers, who have now lost ten consecutive games and sit near the bottom of the NBA standings. As these Eastern Conference foes continue their season, the absence of Indiana’s star guard Tyrese Haliburton looms larger than ever.
The game, played on December 31st, was a tale of two halves and a showcase for rising stars. While Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin kept Indiana competitive, Banchero’s all-around brilliance and a key bench contribution proved decisive. This result sets a tense backdrop for any potential rematch, with the Pacers desperately seeking to avoid tying franchise records for futility.
Game Recap: Banchero’s Heroics Seal Magic Win
Related Video: Orlando Magic vs Indiana Pacers Full Game Highlights – December 31, 2025 | NBA Season
The Orlando Magic rallied from a 10-point third-quarter deficit to steal a road victory in the final moments. Paolo Banchero was the undeniable star, not only hitting the game-winning shot but also leading all players in scoring and rebounds. His performance outshone a strong night from Indiana’s Pascal Siakam, as detailed in the key stats below.
| Player (Team) | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paolo Banchero (Magic) | 29 | 10 | 4 |
| Pascal Siakam (Pacers) | 26 | 4 | 0 |
| Bennedict Mathurin (Pacers) | 23 | 5 | 2 |
| Desmond Bane (Magic) | 18 | 7 | 6 |
The advanced metrics from the game reveal why Orlando emerged victorious. Despite a slightly lower raw offensive output, the Magic’s defensive intensity was off the charts, holding the Pacers to a paltry efficiency rating.
| Team | Offensive Efficiency (Pts/100 Poss.) | Defensive Efficiency (Pts Allowed/100 Poss.) |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | 98.8 | 85.2 |
| Indiana Pacers | 101.8 | 121.3 |
Injury Crisis: The Haliburton Effect
The most significant factor shaping the Pacers’ season is the long-term absence of All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is recovering from a right Achilles tendon tear. His playmaking and leadership have been irreplaceable, forcing players like Andrew Nembhard into larger roles and putting immense pressure on Pascal Siakam to carry the offensive load nightly.
While the Magic have dealt with their own minor injuries, they entered the New Year’s Eve clash relatively healthy compared to Indiana’s depleted roster. This health disparity has been a key component in the two teams’ divergent paths.
Season Context and Upcoming Outlook
This loss dropped the Pacers to a dismal 6-28 record, putting them 19 games back in the standings and flirting with historic losing streaks. Meanwhile, the Magic continue to build around their young core of Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, looking to solidify a playoff position in the East.
Betting lines for upcoming matchups reflect Indiana’s struggles. A common point total (Over/Under) set around 226.5 points has been a frequent target, with both teams trending toward high-scoring games despite Indiana’s offensive woes. The Pacers’ defense, allowing 119.3 points per game, is a primary reason for this.
| Team | Points Scored Per Game | Points Allowed Per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | 110.1 | 119.3 |
| Orlando Magic | 116.5 | 115.1 |
Historical Playoff Rivalry
While the current seasons are starkly different, the Magic and Pacers share a playoff history. In postseason series, Indiana has historically held the upper hand, winning 10 of the 15 playoff games played between the franchises, most notably in encounters like the 2012 Eastern Conference First Round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Magic vs. Pacers game on December 31, 2025?
The Orlando Magic won the game 112-110 on a last-second basket by Paolo Banchero.
Why are the Indiana Pacers struggling so much this season?
The Pacers’ struggles are primarily due to the long-term injury to star guard Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles tear), which has devastated their offensive system and leadership, contributing to a 10-game losing streak and a 6-28 record.
What were Paolo Banchero’s stats against the Pacers?
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with a stellar stat line of 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, including the game-winning shot with 7.5 seconds remaining.
When is the next game between the Magic and Pacers?
As of early January 2026, the next scheduled matchup has not been specified in the available data. Fans should check the official NBA schedule for future dates once the second half of the season is finalized.