Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic: A Clash of NBA Titans
The NBA excitement is building as the Charlotte Hornets prepare to take on the Orlando Magic in a highly anticipated matchup. Set to take place Thursday at 7 p.m. ET at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, this game promises to be a thrilling display of basketball prowess. Let’s dive into the odds, picks, and predictions for this exciting encounter.
Season Series: A Balanced Battle
The season series between the Hornets and the Magic is currently tied 1-1. The Magic won the first encounter 123-107 on the road on October 30, while the Hornets secured a victory with a 120-105 win in Orlando on December 26. This sets the stage for a closely contested game where both teams will be eager to claim bragging rights.
Hornets’ Recent Performance
The Hornets’ most recent game saw them fall to the Cleveland Cavaliers 94-87 on Wednesday. Despite an impressive comeback after trailing by 24 points at halftime, the Hornets couldn’t secure the win. They also failed to cover as a 3-point home underdog, with the Under (238.5) hitting. F Brandon Miller was the standout performer, scoring a team-high 24 points.
Charlotte has been on a rollercoaster ride, winning and losing the last 7 games. However, they have shown resilience, going 3-0 straight up and ATS following a defeat. This trend has been consistent, as the Hornets are 8-4 ATS over their previous 12 contests. This bounce-back ability could be a key factor in their upcoming game against the Magic.
Magic’s Recent Performance
The Magic’s last two games were played in Germany and England, respectively, where they faced challenges. Their most recent game saw them lose 126-109 to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. The Magic failed to cover as a 3-point neutral-court favorite, with the Over (229.5) cashing. Despite the loss, Orlando had six players score in double figures, led by C Wendell Carter Jr. with 18 points.
The Magic have gone 3-2 over their previous 5 games and are 2-3 ATS in those. They are 16-26 ATS this season, indicating a mixed record against the spread. Offensively, the Magic have struggled, scoring 109 points or fewer in 3 of their previous 5 performances. This defensive relapse could be a concern as they face the Hornets.
Hornets at Magic Odds
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the odds for the Hornets vs Magic game are as follows:
- Moneyline (ML): Hornets +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Magic -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +6.5 (-115) | Magic -6.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Key Injuries to Watch
For the Hornets, C Mason Plumlee is out due to a groin injury, and F KJ Simpson is out with a hip flexor. The Magic’s G Jalen Suggs is questionable with a knee injury. These injuries could impact the dynamics of the game, so it’s essential to keep an eye on their status closer to game time.
Picks and Predictions
Moneyline: PASS
The Magic (-250) are expected to win, but at 2.5 times your money, they are too expensive to consider on the moneyline. The Hornets have shown enough resilience to make this a close contest.
Against the Spread: BET HORNETS +6.5 (-115)
The Hornets have a strong record ATS following a loss, going 3-0 straight up and ATS in their recent games. The Magic, on the other hand, have struggled as a favorite, being just 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games when favored. Additionally, the Magic have scored 109 points or fewer in 3 of their previous 5 games, making the Hornets +6.5 a compelling bet.
Over/Under: BET OVER 228.5 (-110)
Both teams have been trending toward the Over. The Hornets have gone over the total in 4 of their last 6 games, scoring at least 109 points in 5 of those. The Magic have gone Over in 3 straight games and are 22-20 O/U this season. They have allowed at least 118 points in 2 of their last 3 contests, making the Over 228.5 a solid pick.
Final Thoughts
The Hornets vs Magic game promises to be an exciting matchup with plenty of action. With both teams having their strengths and weaknesses, it’s a game that could go either way. Basketball fans won’t want to miss this thrilling encounter as the Hornets and Magic battle it out on the court.
Where to Watch
For those eager to catch all the action, the game will be broadcast on Fubo. So grab your snacks, settle into your seats, and get ready for an unforgettable NBA showdown.
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