This divisional rivalry game will open a ten-game slate in the NBA on Friday, March 3, and here you can check out the best Magic vs. Hornets betting pick and odds.

Charlotte will close the four-game home stand when they welcome Orlando at Spectrum Center. The Magic are 4-point favorites on Bovada Sportsbook, while the total is set at N/A points. These Southeast Division foes will meet for the fourth time this season; the Magic lead the series 2-1.

Magic were destroyed by the Bucks in Milwaukee

The Orlando Magic (26-37, 34-28-1 ATS) continue with their hot and cold form and inconsistency. The Magic managed to win two games in a row only once in the last month, and in the most recent, they suffered a massive loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on the road. Orlando allowed a season-high 139 points in a 139-117 defeat as the Magic couldn’t stop Milwaukee from making season-high 26 three-pointers, while they scored just nine in return. The Magic also committed 13 turnovers and forced eight in return.

Cole Anthony led the Magic with 28 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Markelle Fultz added 21 points, seven boards, and team-high five dishes, Wendell Carter Jr. posted a double-double of 19 points and game-high ten rebounds, while Franz Wagner scored 18 points.

PF Jonathan Isaac has missed the previous two contests due to a right hamstring strain, and he will not face off against the Hornets on Friday.

Hornets couldn’t do much against the Suns

The Charlotte Hornets (20-44, 28-33-3 ATS) went through their best period of the campaign during which they recorded five consecutive victories. However, the Hornets lost their best player LaMaelo Ball for the season and his absence was evident in the very next game. Namely, the Hornets scored a season-low 91 points in a 105-91 home defeat to the Phoenix Suns, which was also Kevin Durant’s debut for Phoenix. Charlotte shot only 36.4% from the field and registered 20 assists opposite the Suns’ 30.

Kelly Oubre Jr. led the Hornets with 26 points and nine rebounds. Terry Rozier had 20 points, six boards, five dimes, and game-high six turnovers, Gordon Hayward chipped in 15 points and four dishes, while Mark Williams posted a double-double of 11 points and team-high ten rebounds.

PG LaMelo Ball (ankle) is out for the rest of the season. F PJ Washington (foot) and SF Cody Martin (knee) are out against the Magic on Friday.

Trends:

Orlando:

  • 14-6 ATS in the last 20 road games
  • 7-1 ATS in the last eight games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game
  • 6-0 ATS in the last six games following a straight-up loss of more than ten points
  • 9-2 ATS in the last 11 games following an ATS loss

Charlotte:

  • 1-5 ATS in the last six games following an ATS loss
  • 4-9 ATS in the last 13 games vs. a team with a losing straight-up record

Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Hornets Pick

The Magic have one of the least efficient offenses in the NBA that averages 110.7 points per game, but the Hornets are not much better as they score 112.3 ppg. However, without LaMelo Ball, the Hornets are limited offensively, and I don’t think they will outscore Orlando, especially if PJ Washington is unavailable to play as well. Orlando, unlike Charlotte, is still alive in the playoff/play-in race, and I am backing the visitors to get a victory on Friday. The Magic will return home from this one and will be on a four-game homestay, so they must beat the shorthanded Hornets.

Pick: Take the Magic at -2.5 (-133)

The Total

Orlando has a solid, average defense that allows 113.7 points per game, while Charlotte has one of the weakest defenses in the league that allows 118.2 ppg. The Hornets will have limited options on offense, so I am backing the visitors to keep them below 110 points in this one. Under is 4-0 in the last four H2H meetings; Under is 8-2 in the Magic’ previous ten overall, Under is 4-0 in Orlando’s last four games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game, while Under is 5-0 in the Hornets’ last five overall.

Pick: Go Under N/A points