Following a season-long seven-game win streak, the rollercoaster trip the Orlando Magic have been embarked upon all season has yielded a downturn, placing them in jeopardy of a 3rd straight defeat.
The Magic are at the moment sixth within the East, a half-game again of Toronto, and lead the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks by a half-game within the Southeast Division. Every sport counts, particularly since Orlando is simply 1.5 video games forward of the 76ers, who at No. 9, would at the moment take part in a play-in elimination sport proper off the bat in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets if the playoffs started immediately.
The Hornets are the No. 10 seed and would wish a workforce to hit the skids along with making a run themselves so as to keep away from opening the postseason on the street. Charlotte has used a 9-3 run over its final dozen video games to climb above .500 and acquire separation from Milwaukee because it appears to be like to take part in a contest previous Game 82 since 2016.
Charlotte opened a seven-game homestand that options visits from the Grizzlies, Kings, Knicks, 76ers and Celtics after this Magic sport by blowing out Miami. The Hornets routed the Heat 136-106 on Tuesday, getting 30 factors and 13 rebounds from LaMelo Ball.
Orlando has dropped video games to Atlanta and defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, groups that proceed to personal the NBA’s longest win streaks. They had been diced up cousins by Nickeil Alexander-Walker (41 factors) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (40 factors) in back-to-back video games, so the Magic are no less than they’re completed with that household as they transfer on to attempt to keep away from simply their third skid of three or extra contests all season.
Orlando is 7-3 in March regardless of the continued absence of Franz Wagner and Anthony Black. Another starter, Wendell Carter Jr., might be out as a consequence of a light rib contusion.
Orlando is 16-16 on the street and 24-20 in opposition to Eastern Conference foes, coming in 9-6 in Southeast Division video games. Charlotte is a Southeast-best 10-5 in opposition to its division, has gone 21-22 in opposition to Eastern Conference competitors and is 15-17 at house.
Vitals – How to Watch Magic at Hornets
Game date, time and placement: Thursday, March 19, 7:10 p.m. EST, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida (Magic), Bally Sports Southeast (Hornets)
Radio: FM 96.9 The Game/AM 740 WYGM (Magic), WFNZ (Hornets)
Underdog Magic look to keep away from third straight loss vs. Hornets
The Orlando Magic (38-30) go to the Charlotte Hornets (35-34) within the fourth and ultimate matchup between these groups this season.
The Magic are hoping to choose up a cut up of the season collection, having dropped consecutive video games in blowout vogue 124-97 (Jan. 22) and 120-105 (Dec. 26). Both of these video games had been at Kia Center, however the Magic did lengthen their run of success at Spectrum Center to 6-1 with a 123-107 conquest when these groups met on Oct. 30.
Orlando has dominated the collection since 2022-23, successful 11 of 15. Charlotte is seeking to win the season collection for the primary time since 2021-22.
The Magic personal a 67-62 lead on the Hornets within the all-time collection, which dates again to 1989-90.
Betting Lines (via DraftKings)
Spread: Hornets -5.5 (-112), Magic +5.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Hornets -218, Magic +180
Total: 227.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
Game odds refresh periodically and are topic to alter. If you or somebody you understand has a playing downside and needs assist, name 1-800-GAMBLER.
PROJECTED STARTERS
MAGIC
F Tristan da Silva
F Paolo Banchero
C Goga Bitadze
G Jalen Suggs
G Desmond Bane
HORNETS
F Brandon Miller
F Miles Bridges
C Moussa Diabate
G LaMelo Ball
G Kon Knueppel
INJURY REPORT
MAGIC
Wendell Carter Jr.: Out – Left Rib Mild Contusion
Anthony Black: Out – Left Lateral Abdominal Strain
Jonathan Isaac: Out – Left Knee Sprain
Franz Wagner: Out – Left High Ankle Sprain Injury Management
HORNETS
Tidjane Salaun: Out – Left Calf Strain
Liam McNeeley: Out – G League (On Assignment)
Tosan Evboumwan: Out – G League (Two-way)
PJ Hall: Out – G League (Two-way)
Antonio Reeves: Out – G League (Two-way)
