The Orlando Magic (21-28) stop by the Spectrum Center to play the Charlotte Hornets (16-33) at 7:00 p.m. ET . We analyze Magic-Hornets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
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Magic at Hornets: Key injuries
MAGIC
- SG Evan Fournier (back) questionable
- SF Jonathan Issac (knee) out
- PG D.J. Augustin (knee) out
- SG Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) out
HORNETS
- PF P.J. Washington (ankle) doubtful
Magic at Hornets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Magic 116, Hornets 98
Moneyline (ML)
This matchup pits the Hornets’ (+150) lowest-scoring offense in the NBA versus the Magic’s (-182) lowest-scoring defense, so the edge certainly goes to Orlando, who’s the eighth seed in the East. But, neither team has played well lately—the Magic have lost five straight, including four by double-digits, and the Hornets are 1-9 in their last 10 games—and neither team instills enough confidence to bet on. Charlotte won’t lose forever and is hosting a below .500 team in Orlando, but I don’t see the value on either side.
PASS ON THE MONEY LINE in Magic-Hornets.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The Magic have won and covered in the last three games against the Hornets and the previous two wins were in Charlotte. In their last meeting, Nikola Vučević had 24 points and 11 rebounds in the Magic’s 106-83 victory over the Hornets. He should have an easier time controlling the paint with the Hornets rookie big man, Washington, listed as doubtful. Also, in that game, the Magic’s backcourt way outperformed the Hornets’, scoring 36 points on 15 of 26 shots compared to Charlotte’s 19 points on 5-23 shooting performance. Orlando excels against subpar competition, going 8-5 against the spread on the road versus below .500. Plus as an away favorite, the Magic are 4-2 ATS with a 6.5 margin of victory and Charlotte is 8-9 as a home ‘dog with a -5.8 margin of victory.
TAKE MAGIC -4.5 (-106).
Over/Under (O/U)
The pace should be ultra-slow in this one since the Hornets are ranked last and Magic 28th in pace of play. But the total is only 202.5, and in games projected to have a total of 200-209.5, this officiating crew has a combined 5-1 over/under record. And the Over cashed in three of the last four meetings between these two teams. The total is too low, BET 202.5 (-110).
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