Hornets and Magic Clash for Playoff Spot in Thrilling NBA Play-In Showdown

Hornets and Magic Clash for Playoff Spot in Thrilling NBA Play-In Showdown

The Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic are set to battle for the Eastern Conference's eighth seed in the 2026 NBA playoffs during the NBA Play-In Tournament on April 17. The matchup starts at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. The Hornets enter this game with momentum after a narrow 127-126 overtime victory against the Miami Heat. In contrast, the Magic are looking to bounce back from a 109-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Currently, the Hornets hold a 44-38 record and are 23-18 on the road, while the Magic stand at 45-37 with a strong 25-15 home record. In their historical matchup, the Magic lead the all-time series 67-63, but the Hornets have found success recently, winning three of their four meetings this season. The Hornets are currently favored by 3.5 points, with an over/under set at 218.5 points. The SportsLine Projection Model, which has profited over $10,000 for $100 players in its top-rated NBA picks over the last eight seasons, has simulated this game 10,000 times. The model indicates a strong trend towards the Under, predicting just 218 total points scored. Key players are expected to shine: LaMelo Ball is projected to lead the Hornets with 23 points. Paolo Banchero is expected to top the Magic's scoring with 23.5 points. Furthermore, the model suggests one side of the spread will hit nearly 70% of the time. For those interested in betting, it’s recommended to check the detailed picks available at SportsLine.

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-16