Southeast Division rivals will square off on Friday night, when the Charlotte Hornets travel to the Amway Center to take on the Orlando Magic. The Hornets (2-2) lost F Miles Bridges in the offseason as the result of a domestic violence suspension and rank fourth in the league in offensive efficiency. On Wednesday, Charlotte took host New York to overtime before falling by a 134-131 final score.'
Gordon Hayward led six Charlotte players in double figures with 21 points (8-18 FG) and nine rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. and P.J. Washington added 17 points apiece for the Hornets, who were outscored 74-56 in the paint.
The Orlando Magic drafted Paolo Banchero with the number one overall draft pick and are ready to turn the corner for second year head coach Jamahl Mosley. Injuries have played a major factor in the early season for the Magic (0-5) and they currently rank 27th in offensive efficiency. On Wednesday, Orlando was limited to 42 points during the second half and turned the ball over 17 times during a 103-92 road loss against Cleveland.
Rookie F Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 29 points (10-19 FG) to go along with eight rebounds and four assists. F Franz Wagner added 22 points and five rebounds for the Magic, who missed 18 of their 24 three-point attempts.
Recent Betting Trends
- Hornets are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
- Magic are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
- Over is 7-0 in Hornets last 7 road games.
- Under is 6-0 in Magic last 6 Friday games.
- Hornets are 15-6 ATS in the last 21 meetings in Orlando.
Free NBA Pick:
Orlando Magic +3