The NBA playoffs are tomorrow, and with the NBA play-in ending today, bettors could win cash in tonight’s game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic. Charlotte is coming off one of their best wins in franchise history, and with a win, could get them into the playoffs.

Orlando is coming off a crushing loss to the Sixers and is hoping to save their season with a win tonight. With a date with the Pistons on Sunday, bettors could win big in tonight’s matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic.

Game Details

Date:  April 16

Time:  7:30 PM

Location:  Kia Center, Orlando, FL

TV/Streaming:  Amazon Prime

Odds: Charlotte Hornets -170, CHA -3.5, o/u 217.5

Team Form & Recent Results

Charlotte Hornets Recent Form

• The Charlotte Hornets are coming off one of their most exciting wins in franchise history against the Heat on Tuesday night.
• Charlotte is on a roll and hopes for a win to clinch a playoff spot and have a deep run in the Eastern Conference picture.
• The Hornets’ offense has been on fire all season, being in the top three in three-point shooting, rebounds, and offensive rating, along with a stout defensive game plan.
• LaMelo Ball is having another strong season, scoring 20.1 PTS, with 4.8 rebounds, and 71. assists.

Orlando Magic Recent Form

• The Orlando Magic are coming off a brutal play-in loss to the 76ers on Wednesday night.
• Orlando is hoping to save their season, hosting the red-hot Hornets tonight.
• The Magic offense has not been good, ranking in the bottom 20 in three-point shooting, along with being 14th in turnovers and 19th in defensive rating.
• The Magic hopes Paolo Banchero could bounce back from their loss, after a strong season of scoring 22.2 PTS, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.

Key Storylines

• The Orlando Magic will not have Jonathan Isaac for tonight’s win-or-go-home game against the Charlotte Hornets tonight.
• Charlotte will have Moussa Diabate on the GTD, but could go against the Magic tonight.
• Orlando is trying to save their season after a crushing loss to the Sixers on Wednesday night.
• Charlotte is on a hot streak after an important win against the Miami Heat at home and is looking to clinch a playoff spot.
• Las Vegas is favoring the Hornets due to having momentum after their play-in win, and Orlando being a mess.

Players to Watch

Charlotte Hornets

• Coby White
• In the overtime win against the Heat, White scored 19 PTS with five rebounds and three assists.
• White had a strong season, scoring 15.6 PPG, with 3.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game

Orlando Magic

• Anthony Black
• In the loss to the Sixers, Black scored 13 PTS, with six rebounds and three assists.
• The season for Black was a solid one with scoring 15.0 PPG, 3.7 assists, and 3.8 rebounds.

Matchup Breakdown

Offense vs. Defense

The Charlotte Hornets have been having a great year on offense, leading in 3PT FG, third in 3PT FG, fifth in offensive rebounds, and fifth in offensive ratings. Charlotte also has been playing strong defense, being fifth in rebounds, 13th in defensive rating, but 29th in steals per game.

While the Hornets are having a resurgent season, the Magic offense has been middling, with being 19th in offensive rating, 21st in FG%, 24th in 3PT FG, and 18th in offensive rebounds. Orlando’s defense also had a poor season, being 10th in defensive rating, 16th in steals, and 19th in rebounds.

Coaching / Strategy Notes

For the Charlotte Hornets to win tonight, they need another strong shooting game from their bench, especially White, who had a great game against the Heat, along with their stars playing well against the Magic’s inconsistent defense. The Hornets also need a solid bounce-back game from Diabate, who had a poor defensive game against the Heat on Tuesday, but also another great game from Kalkbrenner, who had a great defensive game.

For the Orlando Magic to win tonight, they need an offensive shakeup and focus on the paint, due to their poor three-point shooting from Banchero and Wagner, who had an awful game against the Sixers. Along with having a bounce-back game from their two stars, they need a strong defensive game plan against the Hornets’ three-point shooting, which could have them go on a strong run if they’re not in control.

Prediction

Prediction: Charlotte Hornets 118, Orlando Magic 100

How to Watch

• Streaming: Amazon Prime

FAQ SECTION

Q: What time is the [Charlotte Hornets] vs. [Orlando Magic] game?  

A: [The time for the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic will be on at 7:30 PM.]

Q: Who is favored to win?  

A: [The Charlotte Hornets are the favorites to win tonight against the Magic due to their hot streak to end the season.]

Q: Where is the game being played?  

A: [Kia Center, Orlando, FL]

Q: What are the betting odds?  

A: [(Charlotte Hornets -170, CHA -3.5, o/u 217.5)]

Conclusion

With the NBA playoffs near and the play-in tournament nearing its end, bettors should place money on the Charlotte Hornets beating the Orlando Magic easily in tonight’s game. The Hornets are coming off one of their most important games in franchise history and have momentum against a team that is falling apart on and off the court.

Orlando has been shooting the ball poorly, and in their past two games, their offense was a mess, which could show against the Hornets tonight. Bettors could win big with the Charlotte Hornets winning big and covering against the Orlando Magic to end the NBA Play-in tournament.