Orlando Magic vs Charlotte Hornets Picks and Predictions November 12th 2024

Magic vs Hornets November 12th 2024

At 7:00 ET, the Orlando Magic (5-6) will host the Charlotte Hornets (4-6) in a Southeast Division matchup. Orlando is currently favored by 7 points and has won two straight games. The over/under line is set at 214.

This game will be played at the Kia Center in Orlando and can be seen on FDSF. The Magic are 4th in the Eastern Conference, while the Hornets are 10th.

Hornets vs. Magic Key Information

Charlotte fell to 4-6 on the season after a 107-105 loss to the 76ers on Sunday. The Hornets were +5 point underdogs on the road but managed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 212 points just missed the O/U line of 213.

After a tight first half, with both teams scoring 30 points in the 2nd quarter, the 76ers went on an 11-0 run, extending their lead from 73-66 to 84-66. Charlotte fought back in the 4th, outscoring Philadelphia 31-21, but their comeback fell just short.

LaMelo Ball knocked down 6 threes, finishing with 38 points and 8 assists, but the Hornets shot just 25.9% from beyond the arc and 37.9% overall in their 107-105 loss to the 76ers. Ball hit 16 points in the 4th quarter and added 5 more in overtime.

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Brandon Miller contributed 22 points, with 10 coming in the 3rd quarter, and Grant Williams added 17, scoring 8 in the 2nd quarter and 3 in OT. The Hornets made 14 threes in the game, despite their struggles from deep.

Defensively, the Hornets had a strong start, holding the 76ers to just 16 points in the 1st quarter, but they struggled in the 2nd and 3rd, allowing 30 points in each. They tightened up again in the 4th, giving up 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

Charlotte did well defending the three, with the 76ers shooting just 27% from deep and making 9 threes. The Hornets also recorded 10 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

On Sunday, November 10th, the Magic improved to 5-6 on the season with a dominant 121-94 win over the Wizards at home. Orlando, favored by -11.5 points, covered the spread, while the total points of 215 fell short of the 223 O/U line.

Orlando’s 10-0 run, which pushed the score from 47-40 to 57-40, set the tone for the game. After edging out the Wizards 35-34 in the 2nd quarter, the Magic clamped down defensively, holding Washington to just 16 points in the 3rd quarter while scoring 30 of their own. They maintained their momentum in the 4th, outscoring the Wizards 30-22.

Franz Wagner led the Magic with 23 points and 7 assists in their 121-94 win over the Wizards, shooting 45% from the field. Cole Anthony and Moritz Wagner added 16 points each, with Anthony hitting 75% of his shots and scoring 13 of his points in the 4th quarter.

Orlando made 17 threes, shooting 35.4% from deep and 45.1% overall. Franz Wagner scored 9 points in the 1st quarter and added 8 more in the 3rd.

Defensively, the Magic were strong in the 3rd quarter, holding the Wizards to just 16 points, and they gave up 22 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters. Overall, they allowed 94 points on 45% shooting.

From beyond the arc, Orlando limited Washington to 10 made threes on 30% shooting. The Wizards went 18/25 from the free-throw line. The Magic gave up 7 offensive rebounds while recording 6 steals and 5 blocks.

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +7, the Hornets is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 214, and our model projects the Hornets and Magic to reach a combined total of 197 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

Magic and Hornets Look to Find Their Groove in NBA Cup Opener

The Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets are set to kick off their NBA Cup group stage on Tuesday night in Orlando, with both teams looking to fine-tune their lineups amid early-season challenges. For the Magic, it’s about maintaining their undefeated home record, while the Hornets are hoping to bounce back from a heartbreaking overtime loss.

Magic Riding Home Winning Streak Despite Injuries

The Orlando Magic have been strong on their home court, boasting a perfect 4-0 record at the Amway Center. They are coming off an impressive second-half surge that propelled them to a dominant 121-94 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. Forward Franz Wagner led the way with 23 points, continuing his streak as Orlando’s leading scorer in the past five games.

The Magic are aiming for their first three-game winning streak of the season, despite being without key players Paolo Banchero (oblique) and Wendell Carter Jr. (foot). The absence of these two stars has forced head coach Jamahl Mosley to experiment with different rotations, spreading the workload across the roster.

Cole Anthony has stepped up to fill the gap, scoring 16 points off the bench against Washington. He’s been working hard to make an impact, even with limited minutes.

“I’m just going to keep trying to put these performances together, keep running my way back into the lineup,” Anthony said.

While Anthony has struggled with consistency this season, averaging just 4.8 points per game and shooting a low 26.3% from beyond the arc, his fearless attitude remains. Coach Mosley acknowledged Anthony’s competitive spirit, recalling a moment in Sunday’s game: “He made the 3 on the right wing and came back and stared at me like he had just made six in a row. But that’s who he is—fearless and confident.”

Hornets Battling Injuries But Showing Grit

The Charlotte Hornets are coming off a tough 107-105 overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, a game in which they rallied from 16 points down to force the extra period. LaMelo Ball was sensational, scoring 38 points and dishing out eight assists, including a dramatic game-tying 3-pointer from the corner while falling out of bounds.

Ball’s teammate, Brandon Miller, wasn’t surprised by his star performance: “That’s what he does—play at a high clip in this league, and he’s going to keep getting better every day.” Ball has been a scoring machine lately, posting over 30 points in four of his last six games.

Despite injuries in their frontcourt, the Hornets managed to out-rebound the 76ers 50-40, a promising sign for a team looking to stay competitive. However, their depth is being tested further, with Tre Mann dealing with back soreness, putting his availability for Tuesday in question. Mann has been a crucial spark off the bench, and his absence would be a significant blow.

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Key Matchups and What to Watch For

1. Franz Wagner vs. LaMelo Ball: Wagner has been the Magic’s most consistent scorer, while Ball is coming off a string of explosive games. This matchup of young stars could determine the outcome, especially if Ball continues to light it up from beyond the arc.
2. Rebounding Battle: The Hornets’ ability to dominate the boards against the 76ers was encouraging, but they’ll face a Magic team that has found ways to compensate for the loss of Carter Jr. in the paint. If Charlotte can control the glass, it could tip the scales in their favor.
3. Cole Anthony’s Impact Off the Bench: Anthony has struggled with his shot early this season, but his confidence remains high. With Orlando missing key scorers, they’ll need Anthony to find his rhythm and contribute more consistently.

NBA Cup Stakes: A Fresh Start

This game marks the start of the NBA Cup journey for both teams. The tournament format provides a new opportunity for struggling squads to find their footing. Orlando, with their strong home-court advantage, will look to continue their winning ways, while the Hornets aim to get back on track and build some momentum.

“We’ll grow from this and learn from it,” said Hornets coach Charles Lee after their tough loss to the Sixers. With both teams searching for the right combinations and dealing with injuries, this matchup could be the spark each team needs.

Prediction: Magic’s Home Court Advantage

With Orlando’s strong home performance so far this season and their ability to adjust despite injuries, they have the edge going into this game. However, the Hornets’ resilience, led by LaMelo Ball, means they can never be counted out.

Will the Magic continue their perfect home streak, or will the Hornets find a way to break through and start their NBA Cup campaign with a win? This game promises to be a competitive and entertaining clash as both teams look to unlock their potential.