Winderman’s view: NBA Cup mattered to Heat but more to Magic, and it showed

The Orlando Magic triumphed over the Miami Heat in the NBA Cup quarterfinal, overcoming a challenging start where they fell behind 15-0. Desmond Bane led the team with an impressive 37-point performance, marking a significant moment for the Magic as they navigated the game without key player Franz Wagner due to injury.

The Miami Heat faced a disappointing 117-108 loss to the Orlando Magic, marking their fourth consecutive defeat and eliminating them from contention for the NBA Cup, which would have included a trip to Las Vegas for the final rounds. The game began with the Heat taking a commanding 15-0 lead, but they ultimately faltered, unable to maintain their momentum against the Magic.

In a thrilling NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup, Desmond Bane scored 37 points, leading the Orlando Magic to overcome a 15-0 deficit against the Miami Heat, ultimately securing a spot in the semifinals. The Magic's strong second-half performance showcased their resilience and ability to rally under pressure.

Victor Wembanyama, the standout player for the San Antonio Spurs, will miss the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a calf injury. This news comes after his recent return to practice, raising hopes for his participation in the NBA Cup Tournament. However, he is still unable to play, which is disappointing for fans and the team alike.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to return from a one-game absence and will play in the NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center. His removal from the injury report indicates he has recovered from his recent ailment.

Victor Wembanyama, the star player for the San Antonio Spurs, will not return for the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the Los Angeles Lakers as he continues to recover from a calf strain that has kept him sidelined since mid-November.

The NBA Cup is heating up as the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face the Phoenix Suns, while the Los Angeles Lakers are set to take on the San Antonio Spurs. Additionally, the Toronto Raptors are being evaluated for their performance as the tournament progresses, and Paolo Banchero's return to the Orlando Magic lineup is anticipated after his recent injury.

Matt Barnes has publicly denied a viral rumor suggesting he was scammed out of over sixty thousand dollars by an AI model, a claim made by his friend Gilbert Arenas during a livestream. Barnes, who was reportedly overseas at the time, is addressing the fallout from Arenas' comments, which have sparked widespread speculation and concern among fans and followers.