The Charlotte Hornets (16-28) and Orlando Magic (23-19) meet Thursday at 7 p.m. ET at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Hornets vs. Magic odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tied 1-1; Magic won 123-107 on the road Oct. 30 while the Hornets won 120-105 in Orlando Dec. 26
The Hornets lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 94-87 Wednesday, failing to cap off an impressive comeback after trailing by 24 points at halftime. They did not cover as a 3-point home underdog with the Under (238.5) hitting. F Brandon Miller scored a team-high 24 points. Charlotte has traded off winning and losing the last 7 games and is 25-19 against the spread (ATS) on the season.
The Magic, who played their last two games in Germany and England, respectively, lost 126-109 to the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday, failing to cover as a 3-point neutral-court favorite as the Over (229.5) cashed. Orlando had 6 players score in double figures, led by C Wendell Carter Jr. with 18. The Magic have gone 3-2 over their previous 5 games and are 2-3 ATS in those. They are 16-26 ATS this season.
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Hornets at Magic odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Hornets +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Magic -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +6.5 (-115) | Magic -6.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Hornets at Magic key injuries
Hornets
(Not yet submitted — below was for Wednesday’s game)
- C Mason Plumlee (groin) out
- F KJ Simpson (hip flexor) out
Magic
- G Jalen Suggs (knee) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Hornets at Magic picks and predictions
Prediction
Magic 118, Hornets 115
PASS.
The Magic (-250) should win here, but at 2 1/2 times your money they are far too expensive to consider on the moneyline.
BET HORNETS +6.5 (-115).
The Hornets have bounced back well after a loss over the last few weeks, going 3-0 straight up and ATS following a defeat. They are 8-4 ATS over their previous 12 contests.
The Magic, on the other hand, have struggled, especially as a favorite. They are just 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games when favored and have scored 109 points or fewer in 3 of their previous 5 performances.
Back HORNETS +6.5 (-115).
BET OVER 228.5 (-110).
Both teams are trending toward the Over. The Hornets have gone north of the total in 4 of their last 6 games, scoring at least 109 points in 5 of those. Orlando has gone Over in 3 straight games and is 22-20 O/U this season. It has relapsed defensively as well, allowing at least 118 points in 2 of its last 3 contests.
Take OVER 229.5 (-110).
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