Hornets Await Skidding Magic

Which way should those who bet online go in this game: lean with the hot-and-cold Hornets or back the Magic in the sportsbook to finally get a win? Let’s dive into this   preview.

• Game: Orlando Magic (7-35) at Charlotte Hornets (23-19)
• Location: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
• Day/Time: Friday, 7 p.m. ET
• Television: BSSE

Orlando Magic at Charlotte Hornets

Magic Focusing on Development

It’s been a very rough season overall for the Magic, who are missing a few of their best players, including Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac. They are trying to make the best out of what they have on their roster and the future does look bright.

However, getting experience in real NBA games doesn’t necessarily translate into wins. Cole Anthony has taken the biggest leap, averaging 19.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.9 assists .

Orlando has gotten a tremendous boost from first-round pick Franz Wagner. The rookie has been slowly getting better as he gets more comfortable, posting 15.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

Orlando has some talent, but this is clearly a rebuilding season.

Hornets Lead With Chemistry

This is a ridiculously young Charlotte roster, but the Hornets are winning games because they are playing as a group. There isn’t one player sticking out more than the others.

In fact, six players are averaging over 10 points per game. Miles Bridges is leading that charge with 19.6 points in what has been considered a breakout season for him.

Lamelo Ball follows closely behind with a stat line of 19.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game. There’s solid depth with Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington.

One double-digit scorer that won’t be available for Charlotte is Kelly Oubre Jr. He was placed in the league’s health and safety protocols earlier in the week and has yet to be taken off it.

Oubre’s absence may be a big loss, but this is a team that has played far better than the Magic all year long.

Hornets Massive Favorites

Considering that the Magic haven’t reached 10 wins yet, it makes sense that they are huge underdogs for this game. Charlotte walks into this date with Orlando as 11-point favorites, according to the NBA odds.

While all signs point toward the Hornets winning this game, defeating their opponents by more than 10 will be difficult. These squads have met up twice already this season, with the Hornets winning by nine and seven points, respectively.

Beating Orlando by 10 plus points hasn’t happened yet and might not again with Oubre out. As for the over/under, it is listed at 224.

That number soared over in the first matchup but ended up not getting close in the second game. Chances are this game goes under since Orlando has struggled lately to score consistently.

Parlay: Orlando Magic +11 and Under 224

Pick: Under 224

Pick: Orlando Magic +11