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Final score predictions for Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic

Picking tonight's game between Charlotte and Orlando.
Schuyler Callihan|
Dec 26, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton (8) warms up before the game against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Dec 26, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton (8) warms up before the game against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

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Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are ready to get back at it after a couple of days off to enjoy Christmas, coming off the heels of a win over the Washington Wizards.

Can the Bugs make it two in a row? Here are our picks for tonight's game.

Schuyler Callihan: Magic 114, Hornets 98

Orlando is in the top half of the league in scoring defense, allowing just a shade under 115 per contest. Even without Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, Orlando should have no trouble coming out on top tonight. This is a game that the Magic can't afford to drop. They currently sit in first place in the division and are sixth in the Eastern Conference. If they want to avoid the play-in tournament, they have to handle business against teams at the bottom of the barrel, especially when playing at home.

Zach Roberts: Magic 108, Hornets 100

The Hornets are playing pretty good ball, but a trip to Orlando usually isn't kind to them. Their defense typically pesters and frustrates LaMelo Ball, and the Magic have more than enough playmakers and threats to get past Charlotte's weak defense. It will be close since the Hornets are on a tiny bit of a roll lately, but not close enough to predict a road win.

Albert Bottcher: Hornets 117, Magic 108

Orlando is always a tough matchup for the Hornets, but this Magic team is so hampered with injuries that Charlotte should have a real chance. It's not a must-win by any means; at the very least, this should be a close contest, though.

The Hornets and Magic will get the action started at 7 p.m. ET. You can stream the game live on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast.

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Schuyler Callihan
SCHUYLER CALLIHAN

Schuyler Callihan is the publisher of West Virginia On SI and has been a trusted source covering the Mountaineers since 2016. He is the host of Between The Eers, The Walk Thru Game Day Show, and In the Gun Podcast. The Wheeling, WV native moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2020 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers.

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