The Orlando Magic (21-59) visit the Spectrum Center Thursday to take on the Charlotte Hornets (40-39). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Magic vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Magic come into their second-to-last game of the season after taking down the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-115 Tuesday.
While they covered at home vs. the Cavs, Orlando is just 3-8 against the spread (ATS) in its last 11 games. It will also be down its leading scorer, G Cole Anthony, and leading rebounder, C Wendell Carter Jr.
Although the Hornets have already locked up the last play-in spot in the Eastern Conference, Charlotte still has something to play for as 2 wins and 2 Atlanta Hawks losses would propel the Hornets into the No. 9 seed.
Charlotte is 5-5 ATS in its last 10. It’s coming off a 29-point loss to the Miami Heat on the road. While 3-3 ATS in their last 6 games, the Hornets have lost 2 straight. They rank 5th in points per game.
Magic at Hornets odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:06 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Magic +650 (bet $100 to win $650) | Hornets -1100 (bet $1100 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Magic +12.5 (-107) | Hornets -12.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 229.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
Magic at Hornets key injuries
Magic
- G Cole Anthony (toe) out
- C Wendell Carter Jr. (wrist) out
- G Franz Wagner (ankle) out
- G Gary Harris (personal) questionable
Hornets
- F Gordon Hayward (foot) doubtful
[tipico]
Magic at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Hornets 126, Magic 106
Money line
PASS.
A -1100 money line favorite against a team without most of its key players screams pass.
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Against the spread
BET the HORNETS -12.5 (-115).
Charlotte is going to have its playmakers take the court, which is more than Orlando can say. Players like PG LaMelo Ball and F Miles Bridges should be able to push the pace and extend a lead at home.
Charlotte has given up 144 points in both its last 2 games. That’s a problem, but it’s not one Orlando, which ranks 29th in points per game, should be able to exploit.
The Hornets rank 3rd in the NBA in pace while the Magic sit 24th in turnover rate. Combine those two, and Charlotte should be able get out in transition, where it thrives, often.
The motivation is there for Charlotte, and at home, it should be able to run and gun on Orlando.
Over/Under
PASS with a slight lean to the Over 229.5 (-115).
The Hornets have gone over the projected total in 3 straight games and play at one of the fastest paces in the NBA.
With Orlando’s key big man out, getting easy looks at the rim should be even easier. The Magic have gone Over in 4 of their last 7. Orlando is 40-39-1 O/U this season while the Hornets are 39-39-1 O/U.
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