The Orlando Magic pay a visit to the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center on Thursday night. Here’s a Hornets vs Magic Prediction. This article will include a Hornets vs Magic Pick.
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
The Orlando Magic have gone cold lately as they are now hoping to arrest a four-game slide after getting trampled by the Pistons in a 135-116 road defeat last night. Paolo Banchero led the team in scoring with 24 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists on seven of 16 shooting, Franz Wagner added 22 points while Tristan da Silva chipped in with 15 points on six of nine shooting off the bench.
As a team, the Magic shot just 45 percent from the field and 12 of 31 from the 3-point line as they led for most of the first half. Before the Pistons went on a pivotal 14-1 run to start to pull away midway through the third quarter. Desmond Bane had a rough night as he shot just four of 15 from the field for his 12 points while Jalen Suggs scored just eight points in 21 minutes.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets have split their first four games of the season and they will be hoping for a better effort after getting smashed by the Heat in a 144-117 road defeat on Tuesday. LaMelo Ball led the team with 20 points, eight rebounds and nine assists, Kon Knueppel added 19 points, Collin Sexton scored 18 points with six assists while Miles Bridges chipped in with 17 points.
As a team, the Hornets shot 44 percent from the field and 18 of 45 from the 3-point line as they struggled to contain the Heat from the tipoff and were always fighting a losing battle after allowing 76 points in the first half. Tre Mann had a night to forget as he shot just three of 15 from the field for his eight points off the bench.
Why the Charlotte Hornets will win
- The Magic have lost each of their last six games as road favorites after losing as favorites.
- The underdogs have won each of the Magic’s last four games.
- The Magic have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the Magic’s last five games.
Why the Orlando Magic will win
- The Hornets have lost each of their last eight home games against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Magic have won each of their last eight games against Southeast Division opponents following a loss.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Magic have covered the spread in 12 of their last 13 games as favorites against the Hornets.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Hornets’ last seven night games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Magic’s last four road games have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Hornets have missed the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons – longest active streak in the NBA.
- The Hornets rank 1st in the league for Q3 points per game this season (36.0).
- The Magic rank 30th in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (8.0).
- The Magic rank 30th in the league for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (27.5).
Hornets vs Magic Prediction
The Magic are still a little shorthanded with Moritz Wagner still out, while the Hornets are expecting to have a full squad available. The Magic probably expected to get off to a better start, but the early signs are that they are missing so much continuity due to the quality players they traded away. Banchero and Wagner have done fine on offense but the Magic are nowhere near last season’s effectiveness on defense.
The Hornets were looking good before their massive loss to the Heat on Tuesday, but I still think they can bounce back at home against this slumping Magic squad. You couldn’t back either side with any confidence but I will lean towards the Hornets as underdogs at home in this spot.