The Orlando Magic (1-4) take on the Charlotte Hornets (2-2) at Spectrum Center Thursday. Tip-off from Charlotte, North Carolina, is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Magic vs. Hornets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Orlando won 4-0 (including In-Season Tournament win)
Orlando was dominated 135-116 by the Detroit Pistons Wednesday while failing to cover as a 2-point favorite as the Over (227.5) cashed. Forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner combined for 46 points, but Orlando’s problem continued to be the defense as the Magic let 3 Pistons finish with 20+ points. The Magic have lost 4 straight and have given up 135+ points in back-to-back games.
Charlotte was routed 144-117 by the Miami Heat Tuesday while failing to cover as a 4.5-point underdog as the Over (239.5) cashed. The Hornets gave the ball away 18 times and let the Heat shoot 54.2% from the field and 44.4% from deep in the loss. Miami scored at least 37 points in 3 of the 4 quarters Tuesday.
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Magic at Hornets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:41 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Magic -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Hornets +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
- Against the spread (ATS): Magic -3.5 (-105) | Hornets +3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 240.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Magic at Hornets key injuries
Magic
(Not yet submitted — below was for Wednesday’s game)
- C Moritz Wagner (knee) out
Hornets
- F Josh Green (shoulder) out
- G Brandon Miller (shoulder) out
- F Grant Williams (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Magic at Hornets picks and predictions
Prediction
Magic 124, Hornets 122
MAGIC (-145).
Orlando will be able to dominate Charlotte in some key areas such as second-chance points and points in the paint, both of which will give lots of energy to this Magic team when the offense stalls out. Additionally, the Hornets simply don’t have the defenders on the wing to guard the duo of Wagner and Banchero. Finally, with Miller out, the Hornets will be missing a lot of offensive production and spacing.
Be aware this is a very risky bet given how bad Orlando has been to start the season.
BET HORNETS +3.5 (-115).
Charlotte has the third-best offense in the NBA, averaging 128.3 points per game. On the other side, the Magic are abysmal as they score just 114 PPG (22nd). With Orlando looking so bad offensively and these squads being around the same level of bad defensively right now, Charlotte’s offensive firepower will keep the Hornets in this game throughout.
BET OVER 240.5 (-110).
Both of these defenses are terrible and both are bottom 10 in the NBA in defensive rating. Combine that with the talent on that Magic team and the offense of the Hornets and there’s an easy recipe for the Over to be smashed here.
The Over is also 4-0 for Charlotte to start the season and has hit in back-to-back games for Orlando.
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