The Orlando Magic were on a seven-game winning streak, but now they hope to overcome a two-game slump as they take on the surging Charlotte Hornets. LaMelo Ball and Co. have won three of their last four games and nine of their last 12 and already lead the season series 2-1.
Advertisement
They are only 35-34 for the season but recent form and home advantage mean they will be favorites once again. Charlotte’s recent record has them above the .500 mark, with LaMelo Ball scoring 30 in their most recent win over the Miami Heat. Kon Knuppel has continued his dominance in recent games and leads the NBA in three-pointers made with 238.
Meanwhile, the Magic need to regain momentum and currently sit in sixth place in the East with a 38-30 record. Banchero has averaged 25.5 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists since the All-Star break and will once again be the focal point of the offense. Despite this, Charlotte’s home advantage and Orlando’s continued struggles with injuries means the Hornets will be favorites to win the season series 3–1.
NBA Odds Courtesy of DraftKings
magic vs hornets odds
Magic: +5.5 (-115)
Advertisement
Hornets: -5.5 (-105)
Overs: 225.5 (-108)
Under: 225.5 (-112)
magic vs hornets major injuries
Orlando is dealing with big absences that have a direct impact on their offense. Franz Wagner and Anthony Black are both out of the game along with Jonathan Isaac, while Wendell Carter Jr. is also out with a rib injury he suffered in the loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Charlotte, by comparison, is much healthier. Their core of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Nueppel are all fit and active. Tidjane Salaun is the only name confirmed to have disappeared.
Magic vs Hornets Betting Trends
Charlotte has become one of the most reliable teams at home in recent weeks and is once again the favourite.
Advertisement
-
The Hornets are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games
-
Charlotte’s record is 42-27 under, which is the second-best mark in the NBA
-
The under is hitting at a rate of 65.6% in Hornets home games
-
The Hornets have won 12 of their last 15 matches on regular rest
-
Offensively the Magic are right in the middle (16th in offensive rating).
-
Orlando ranks 26th in three-point shooting percentage
-
The Magic have struggled to prevent offense and have leaked points, especially of late.
Head-to-head, Charlotte leads the season series 2-1 and is coming off a blowout 27-point win over Orlando earlier this year.
Keys to Magic vs. Hornets Matchup
Charlotte’s aggressive form has been the main reason behind their recent wins. Their home record this season is 15-17, but they started a seven-game home stretch with a big win over Miami.
The trio of Ball, Miller and Knuppel are combining for nearly 60 points per game, with the trio shooting nearly 40% from three. Ball is coming off a 30-point, 13-assist game and his ball handling could prove vital against an Orlando team that slows things down.
Advertisement
Miller and Knueppel combined for 48 points last time out and will once again be expected to share the offensive load. For Orlando, the reliance on Banchero and Desmond Bane could be a concern, with Wagner’s absence constantly snatching away a way forward. They average a league-leading 26.9 free throw attempts per game and may struggle to get looks against the Hornets.
Magic vs Hornets Predictions and Picks
Everything points to Charlotte being the favorite for this game. They are in top form and almost all their players are fit and active.
The Magic have obvious limitations offensively, and Charlotte’s ability to stretch the floor and shoot from deep can be expected to emerge as a major threat. We hope it will be an outright win for the home team.
Advertisement
Final Magic-Hornets Predictions and Selections: Charlotte Hornets -5.5 (-105); Less than 225.5 (-112)
RELATED: March Madness 2026: The 10 best NBA draft prospects in each NCAA Tournament field
RELATED: Rockets’ Kevin Durant not sweating potential Lakers playoff matchup despite struggles
<a href=