Charlotte Hornets Attempt to Bounce Back as They Host the Orlando Magic

After a crucial loss to the Miami Heat, the Charlotte Hornets return to the Queen City to face off against another divisional rival in the Orlando Magic.

The Charlotte Hornets (28-36) are set to take on the Orlando Magic (24-41) as they look to bounce back from a loss to the Miami Heat. Even though both of these teams sit outside of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, Steve Clifford’s side still has an outside chance at somehow squeaking their way into the postseason. A win against their divisional rivals could go a long way in their pursuit of a playoff spot.

In their last outing, the Magic were able to defeat the Chicago Bulls at home, 98-91. Despite Orlando’s poor record, they have actually played pretty well away from home as they are 12-20 on the road. Although, they have lost five of their last six road games.

These two sides have met twice previously this season with the Hornets coming out on top on both occasions. This will be the third of four total matchups. Charlotte should be favored as they have won the last two outings by an average of 20 points. Not to mention that they have won five straight regular-season games against Orlando.

Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic

7:00 p.m. EST, Friday, March 10th, 2017

Spectrum Center

Broadcast on FOX Sports Southeast

Injury Report:

CHA:

Miles Plumlee – OUT
Ramon Sessions – OUT
Frank Kaminsky – OUT
Johnny O’Bryant – OUT
Nicolas Batum – PROBABLE

ORL:

Jodie Meeks – right thumb repair, QUESTIONABLE
Nikola Vučević – sore right Achilles, QUESTIONABLE

Biggest Story:

Start of a Late Playoff Push?

Charlotte only has a 17.2% chance of making the postseason this year. (ESPN) If they are going to make a late push for the playoffs, a run of wins must start now. With only 18 games left in the season and the team being three games back of the eighth seed, they need to string together some win if they want any hope of returning to the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

It won’t be easy for the Hornets and many are calling for them to just tank for a better draft pick but it is clear that they still have postseason aspirations. They will not only need to get some victories but also for teams ahead of them to lose. Charlotte can only control what they can do in their games so putting a win streak together is their main goal at the moment and it starts against Orlando.

Matchup to Watch:

Cody Zeller vs Nikola Vucevic

The Charlotte Hornets big man has only recently returned from a lengthy injury as he is still getting used to playing big minutes after some time on a minutes restriction. Zeller will be key for the team as he has been their x-factor for the better part of the season. His defense will need to be up to the task against Vucevic who has been on a tear lately.

Next: Steve Clifford Calls Out Poor Bench Play

In his last five games, Nikola is averaging a team-high 19.5 points per game to go along with 9.5 rebounds per game. The Orlando Magic rely on their big man to shoulder their load with his low post scoring. The matchup of the two big man will be crucial in this one. If Cody can slow down Vucevic, the Hornets should be in good shape for a win.

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