Two teams going in completely opposite directions meet in the final Eastern Conference Play-In game. The Hornets squeaked out a thrilling overtime win at home on Tuesday against a Heat team that’s owned the Play-In over the years, while the Magic looked lifeless in a loss in Philadelphia on Wednesday night.
Now these teams matchup on Friday night in Orlando, playing for the 8-seed in the East, which means a Game 1 in Detroit on Sunday. The Hornets won the regular season series of this divisional matchup 3-1, but really have dominated the Magic in current form. Orlando’s win came back in October, well before Charlotte established its identity.
The Hornets won the next three meetings by an average margin of over 20 points per game, including a pair of wins in Orlando, each by 15 or more points. Charlotte has been blazing hot since the calendar flipped to 2026, with a 34-15 record since January 3. The Hornets have been road warriors, currently on a 15-3 run over their last 18 away from home.
Meanwhile, the Magic are just 7-10 since the middle of March, and their five-game winning streak towards the end of the regular season came predominantly against tanking teams. Rumors are swirling about turmoil in Orlando’s locker room, and the play that we’re seeing on the court only seems strengthen that argument.
Charlotte has been the top offense in the NBA since the start of January, while the Magic really struggle to score the ball — scoring just 97 points in Wednesday’s game in Philly. The Hornets are playing with terrific energy and coming off a win that should give them some momentum in this do-or-die game. They also seem to have Orlando’s number, and as pathetic as it sounds, I could see the Magic simply giving up in this one if things aren’t going their way.
The price says it all with Charlotte priced as a sizable road favorite here. If you read my article earlier in the week and listened to DraftKings Network Daily Bets, I gave out plays on Charlotte to make the playoffs (+160) and Orlando to miss the playoffs (+250), anticipating this exact scenario. I’ll be riding those at a good price, but if you’re empty handed and looking to get in on this game, I’d still be perfectly comfortable laying the number with the exciting Hornets.
NBA Pick: Hornets -3.5 (-105)
