Published Mar 18, 7:03am ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 18, 7:03am ET
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Updated Mar 18, 7:03am ET
One of the games on Thursday's NBA slate features the Charlotte Hornets taking on the Orlando Magic. Who has the edge in our Hornets vs Magic pick?
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| Charlotte Hornets | -3.5 (-111) |
| Orlando Magic | +3.5 (-111) |
After back-to-back losses to the Heat and Suns, Charlotte has won three of its last four games. The team's recent triumph was a blowout 136-106 victory over the Miami Heat.
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The Hornets were ahead by eight points through three quarters. And any hopes of a comeback by Miami were squashed, with Charlotte outscoring the road team by a devastating 40-18 margin in the final frame.
LaMelo Ball scored a team-high 30 points and handed out 13 assists. Coby White spearheaded the second unit with 24 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Following a seven-game win streak, the Magic have dropped two straight. This includes a five-point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
Orlando trailed by as many as 18 points in the second quarter. However, the team was within three points in the fourth before Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knocked down a crucial 3-point basket, giving the defending champs enough separation to hold on down the stretch.
All five starters reached double figures for the Magic. Paolo Banchero led the way with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Desmond Bane added 16 points and three rebounds while shooting 4-for 7 from beyond the arc.
Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.
The Hornets have dropped 10 of the previous 13 meetings in this series, and Orlando is 9-6 across its last 15 outings against Southeast Division opponents.
Pick: Orlando Magic
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Pick
Orlando Magic
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