What: Charlotte Hornets (18-53) (11-25 home) vs Orlando Magic (34-38) (15-21 away)

When: 7:00pm Eastern

Where: Spectrum Center; Charlotte, NC

How to watch: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Outfitting: Hornets–Icon (teal), Magic–Icon (black)

Game Lines: Hornets +4.5, Hornets money line +165, O/U 210.5

Injuries:

Hornets: Josh Okogie-questionable (hamstring), Brandon Miller-out (wrist), Tre Mann-out (back), Grant Williams-out (knee)

Magic: Not submitted because they’re on a back to back

This is the shortest I’ve seen the Hornets injury report in quite a while. They have almost their full complement of players as they take on a Magic team that’s never found their magic this season. They looked like an up and coming threat last season but have not been able to carry that into this season. If we’re being honest, their current standing is probably more like what you’d expect given what their roster looks like on paper. You could argue they overachieved in the 2023-24 season.

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are the biggest dangermen. Banchero has been on an offensive heater, scoring 30 points a game so far in the month of March. Franz Wagner isn’t too too far behind at 21 points per game, then the individual offensive contributions fall off pretty precipitously. Cole Anthony can get hot if he plays. So can Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Other guys are there more for their defense, which hasn’t been good enough.

The Hornets have an avenue to a win via the glass. The Magic have rebounded the ball very poorly in recent weeks, especially on the defensive end. They’ve secured just 67.2% of defensive rebound opportunities in the month of March, better than only the 76ers and Wizards. The Hornets don’t do many things well, but they do crash the glass better than most. There’s a chance here for Mark Williams and Moussa Diabate to wreak some havoc and push the Hornets to a win that no one wants.

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