Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic Picks and Predictions November 25th 2024

LaMelo Ball, Hornets Try to Cool Off Rival Magic

The Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic will clash on Monday night in Charlotte, with both teams showcasing impressive individual and team performances recently. However, only Orlando has turned its efforts into consistent victories.

Charlotte is searching for stability despite standout play from its star guard, LaMelo Ball. Ball scored a career-high 50 points in the Hornets’ 125-119 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday, marking their third loss in four games. Their lone win in that span came in an overtime thriller against Detroit.

“That’s just him leading the team, as always,” said rookie Brandon Miller, reflecting on Ball’s performance. “Just being the top dog, making everybody better, getting everybody in the right places. Competing at the highest level he can and trying to get some wins for this Charlotte Hornets team.”

Magic Riding Momentum

The Magic, on the other hand, are one of the NBA’s hottest teams. They’ve won eight of their last nine games, including a 114-99 victory over Charlotte on Nov. 12. Franz Wagner tallied 30 points in Saturday’s 111-100 win over Detroit, continuing his stellar run. Wagner’s contributions were complemented by his brother, Moritz Wagner, who scored 18 points off the bench.

“Moe wakes up with 10 points,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley joked. “He and Franz, obviously the brother connection is one thing. They’re knowing where one guy is going to be, the chemistry and communication that they have, just the ability to play off each other.”

Franz Wagner, who dropped 32 points in the first meeting against Charlotte this season, has been a crucial factor in Orlando’s success.

Hornets’ Home Comforts

Charlotte will begin a five-game homestand on Monday, looking to extend their four-game home winning streak. Despite Ball’s heroics against Milwaukee—where he also recorded 10 assists and six 3-pointers—Charlotte needs more consistency to contend with the surging Magic.

Ball joined former Hornets guard Kemba Walker as the only players in franchise history to score 50 points in a game.

“That’s my guy for sure,” Ball said of Walker. “Always helping, always looking out. It’s all love.”

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However, the Hornets face potential adversity with forward Grant Williams expected to miss the game due to a right knee injury.

“The most important thing is that all of our prayers are with Grant, and we hope the news comes back as good as possible,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said.

Injury Notes

The Magic could get a boost with the return of Wendell Carter Jr., who has been ramping up his workouts.

“He’s gone through some pretty, pretty strenuous workouts, so we’re going to continue to see how he responds to those and we’ll go from there,” Mosley said.

Both teams bring their own storylines into this divisional clash, with the Magic looking to maintain their momentum and the Hornets eager to protect their home court and find a winning rhythm.