The NBA Play-In Tournament kicks off with an exciting game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic. The game will take place at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM. Charlotte’s head coach, Charles Lee, leads his team into this decisive game with a postseason record of 1-0.
On the other side, the Orlando Magic, coached by Jamahl Mosley, aim to turn their fortunes around after a rough start to the postseason. With a regular season record of 45-37, the Magic look to leverage their home court advantage. The game will air on Amaz, promising a significant event for both teams and their fans.
Charlotte Hornets Team Preview
The Charlotte Hornets are coming off a win against the Miami Heat. They scored 127 points and had a close game, winning by just one point. LaMelo Ball had a standout performance with 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Brandon Miller has been consistent for the Hornets this season. He averaged 20.2 points and shot 43.5% from the field. Miller also contributes with rebounds and assists, making him a key player for the team.
In the upcoming game, the Hornets will face the Orlando Magic. LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges are projected to lead the scoring again. Moussa Diabaté is questionable with a hip injury, which could affect the Hornets’ rotation.
Orlando Magic Team Preview
The Orlando Magic recently had a tough loss against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Magic scored 97 points and had a field goal percentage of 40.7%. Desmond Bane stood out with 34 points and a shooting accuracy of 62.5%.
In their game against the Boston Celtics, the Magic lost by 5 points. Paolo Banchero played well, scoring 23 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Jalen Suggs matched Banchero with 23 points and added 6 rebounds.
The Magic had a strong performance against the Chicago Bulls, winning by 24 points. They scored 127 points with a field goal percentage of 52.1%. Jamal Cain made a significant impact, scoring 20 points and securing 8 rebounds.
Betting Prediction
The Charlotte Hornets have the highest points per game in the postseason with 127.0. Their fast pace of play, with 101.2 possessions per game, suggests a lot of scoring opportunities. The Hornets’ ability to score quickly can lead to a high total score.
On the other side, the Orlando Magic allow 109.0 points per game. Despite having a solid defense, the Magic’s games still see a good amount of scoring. This combination of Charlotte’s high-powered offense and Orlando’s games usually hitting triple digits leans toward a higher total.
Furthermore, the Hornets’ defense allows 126.0 points per game. This can give the Magic more chances to increase their scoring. With both teams having the potential to contribute significantly to the score, the over seems like a good choice.
- Pick: Over 218
