The Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets face off, with Orlando hoping to avoid a third straight defeat. The Magic are currently sixth in the East, a half-game back of Toronto. Every game counts, especially as Orlando is just 1.5 games ahead of the 76ers.
The Hornets are the No. 10 seed and would need a team to falter to avoid opening the postseason on the road. Charlotte has used a 9-3 run over its last dozen games to climb above .500. They are looking to participate in a contest past Game 82 since 2016.
Magic Aim to Break Losing Streak Against Hornets
The Orlando Magic (38-30) visit the Charlotte Hornets (35-34) in the fourth and final matchup between these teams this season. The Magic are hoping to pick up a split of the season series, having dropped consecutive games in blowout fashion 124-97 and 120-105. Both of those games were at Kia Center.
The Magic did extend their run of success at Spectrum Center to 6-1 with a 123-107 conquest when these teams met on Oct. 30. Orlando has dominated the series since 2022-23, winning 11 of 15. Charlotte is looking to win the season series for the first time since 2021-22.
The Magic own a 67-62 lead on the Hornets in the all-time series, which dates back to 1989-90.
Hornets Soar After Rout of Miami
Charlotte opened a seven-game homestand with a dominant performance against Miami. The Hornets routed the Heat 136-106 on Tuesday. LaMelo Ball had 30 points and 13 rebounds.
Magic Face Injury Challenges
Orlando is 7-3 in March despite the continued absence of Franz Wagner and Anthony Black. Another starter, Wendell Carter Jr., will be out due to a mild rib contusion.
Orlando has dropped games to Atlanta and defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. They were diced up cousins by Nickeil Alexander-Walker (41 points) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (40 points) in back-to-back games. The Magic are at least they’re done with that family as they move on to try and avoid just their third skid of three or more contests all season.
By the Numbers
- Orlando is 16-16 on the road and 24-20 against Eastern Conference foes.
- Orlando is 9-6 in Southeast Division games.
- Charlotte is a Southeast-best 10-5 against its division.
- Charlotte has gone 21-22 against Eastern Conference competition and is 15-17 at home.
The game is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 7:10 p.m. EST, at Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Following a season-long seven-game win streak, the rollercoaster ride the Orlando Magic have been embarked upon all season has yielded a downturn, putting them in jeopardy of a third straight defeat.