The Orlando Magic (0-5) will host the Charlotte Hornets (2-2) on Friday (October 28) in the NBA.
The Hornets are coming off a tough overtime loss against the New York Knicks, while the Magic are just looking for signs of life to stop the extreme slump. Nobody expected a playoff run from Orlando this season, but it looks like wins may be few and far between.
Despite a long injury report for this game, we'll find the best bets and value you need.
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Orlando Magic vs Charlotte Hornets Match Details
Fixture: Hornets @ Magic
Date and Time: Friday, October 28 (7:00 pm EST)
Venue: Amway Center
Orlando Magic vs Charlotte Hornets Betting Prediction
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Orlando Magic vs Charlotte Hornets Key Stats
Both teams will be very shorthanded. The Hornets are missing Lamelo Ball, who has proven he can contribute real minutes. The Hornets are also most likely without their leading scorer, Terry Rozier. Rozier is listed as day-to-day and doubtful, and being less than 24 hours before tip-off, it seems safe to conclude he won't be on the court.
The list is even longer for the Orlando Magic: Cole Anthony, Mo Wagner, Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac and Gary Harris will all be missing. There's a lot of missing guards and forwards to be playing a team who gets most of their offensive production from those positions.
The Hornets are scoring 124.5 points per game which, although the sample size is small, is the most in the NBA. Considering the importance of the players on the injury report, that's very impressive. However, the Hornets are allowing over 117 points per game, which is in the bottom half of the league. The Hornets will need to quickly figure out their defensive rotations while some major pieces are missing.
The Magic have some very exciting pieces on their roster; it may not be this season, but there's legitimate potential in Orlando right now. The Magic don't have a ton to play for this season, but they won't be winless all season. With home-court and a banged-up team coming to town with questionable defending, this could be the ideal game to get up for and grab an upset. Banchero is exciting to watch and will have a ton of League Pass eyes on him all season.
Orlando Magic vs Charlotte Hornets Betting Prediction
The Hornets are the most sensible play here. Even without Rozier, they can get enough points out of Hayward and Oubre. Considering the Hornets are also short-staffed, look for the Magic to keep it close. Stay off the Orlando moneyline to be safe, but they can keep this close enough to lose at the buzzer.
Prediction: Orlando Magic +3 (-112)
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