Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic Spread Predictions + Game Preview
The Hornets are at home on Sunday as the division rival Orlando Magic come to town. Charlotte comes into this game at 15-39 and looking to snap a three-game losing streak. The Magic have fared slightly better this season, sitting at 13th in the East with a 21-32 record.
Sunday will be the third meeting of the season between the two teams, and the first game to take place in Charlotte. The teams split the two matchups in Orlando, with the Magic winning the first game 113-93 and the Hornets taking the second 112-105.
The Magic are lead by first-overall pick and rookie of the year front-runner Paolo Banchero. Banchero leads the team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals on the season, a testament to how strong his season has been.
The Hornets are going to need to have a plan to deal with length in this one, as the Magic boast one of the tallest & longest lineups in the NBA. With the likes of Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Bol Bol patrolling the court, Charlotte is going to have to be extra cognizant when picking their spots.
Spread & Over/Under: Charlotte -1.5, u236
Neither team is especially efficient on either end of the court, but the Hornets take care of the ball surprisingly well and are amongst the league leaders in hustle stats such as fast-break points and offensive rebound rate, which should bode well for their chances against a young and raw Magic squad. With totals 206 and 219 in the previous two matchups, the under seams like a strong pick for today.
PPG: 111.2 (ORL), 112.0 (CHA)
RPG: 42.6 (ORL), 45.2 (CHA)
APG: 22.6 (ORL), 25.0 (CHA)
FG%: 47.2% (ORL), 45.1% (CHA)
3FG%: 35.1% (ORL), 32.1% (CHA)
FT%: 78.7% (ORL), 75.4% (CHA)
2022-23 Team Leaders:
Minutes: Paolo Banchero - 33.7 (ORL), Terry Rozier - 35.7 (CHA)
FG%: Bol Bol - 57.8% (ORL), Mason Plumlee - 67.2% (CHA)
3FG%: Gary Harris - 46.5% (ORL), LaMelo Ball - 35.3% (CHA)
PPG: Paolo Banchero - 20.3 (ORL), LaMelo Ball - 23.0 (CHA)
RPG: Paolo Banchero - 6.5 (ORL), Mason Plumlee - 9.7 (CHA)
APG: Paolo Banchero - 3.7 (ORL), LaMelo Ball - 8.2 (CHA)
SPG: Paolo Banchero - 1.0 (ORL), Jalem McDaniels - 1.1 (CHA)
BPG: Bol Bol - 1.5 (ORL) , PJ Washington - 1.0 (CHA)
Stat key: PPG - points per game | RPG - rebounds per game | APG - assists per game | SPG - steals per game | BPG- blocks per game
Magic roster
PG: Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs (OUT), RJ Hampton
SG: Gary Harris, Cole Anthony, Terrance Ross
SF: Franz Wagner. Johnathan Isaac, Caleb Houston
PF: Paolo Banchero, Bol Bol, Moritz Wagner
C: Wendell Carter, Mo Bamba (OUT)
Head coach: Jamahl Mosley
Hornets roster
PG: LaMelo Ball, Dennis Smith Jr. , Theo Maledon
SG: Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre Jr. (OUT), Cody Martin (OUT), James Bouknight
SF: Gordon Hayward, Jalen McDaniels, Bryce McGowens
PF: P.J. Washington, Kai Jones, JT Thor
C: Mason Plumlee, Nick Richards, Mark Williams
Head coach: Steve Clifford
You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us Twitter:
Facebook - All Hornets
Twitter - @SI_Hornets and Ian Black at @ian_black14
