Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic Betting Pick & Prediction for 4/17
The Charlotte Hornets will visit the Orlando Magic for Game 1 of the Play-In Tournament in the NBA Playoffs. The game will take place at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM. The game will be broadcast on Amaz.
Both teams aim to move forward in this one-game series. The Hornets, led by head coach Charles Lee, finished the regular season with a 44-38 record. The Magic, coached by Jamahl Mosley, ended with a slightly better record of 45-37. Both teams are part of the Eastern Conference and the Southeast Division.
Hornets vs Magic Game Day Info
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic
- Venue: Kia Center
- Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
- Betting Odds: Hornets -3.5 (-112), Magic +3.5 (-110)
Charlotte Hornets Team Preview
The Charlotte Hornets head into their next game with a recent win over the Miami Heat, 127-126. LaMelo Ball led the team with 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists in that game. Miles Bridges also contributed with 28 points and 9 rebounds, showcasing the team’s scoring ability.
In their last three games, the Hornets won two and lost one. They defeated the New York Knicks 110-96 and lost to the Detroit Pistons 118-100. LaMelo Ball has been a key player, consistently scoring over 19 points in each game, while Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges have also made solid contributions.
The Hornets’ offense is strong, leading the league in points per game with 127.0 and field goal attempts per game with 113.0. On defense, they allow 126.0 points per game, ranking 6th in points allowed. Injuries could be a concern, with Moussa Diabaté questionable due to hip soreness and PJ Hall out for the season with an ankle fracture.
Orlando Magic Team Preview
The Orlando Magic recently played three games with mixed results. In their play-in tournament game, they lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 109-97. Desmond Bane stood out with 34 points, but the team struggled with a field goal percentage of 40.7%. They also faced the Boston Celtics, losing 113-108 despite Paolo Banchero’s 23 points and a near triple-double.
The Magic’s performance against the Chicago Bulls was strong, winning 127-103. They had a field goal percentage of 52.1%, their highest in the recent games. Jamal Cain had an efficient night with 20 points in 24 minutes. Their offensive stats for the postseason show they lead in free throws made per game at 24.0.
On defense, the Magic are allowing 109.0 points per game, ranked second. They are effective in limiting opponents’ field goal percentage to 44.7%. However, they face a challenge with Jonathan Isaac listed as questionable due to a knee sprain. His potential absence could impact their defensive strength.
BTB Betting Pick
The Hornets are favored by 3.5 points with a line of -112. They score 127 points per game, while the Magic score 97 points per game. Considering these stats, the Hornets are likely to cover the spread. Their high-scoring offense should outpace the Magic.
The total for this game is set at 218. The Hornets allow 126 points per game, and the Magic allow 109 points per game. With the Hornets’ potent offense and the Magic’s strong defense, the projected total score is around 236. This suggests taking the over for this game.