Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic Preview: Odds, Lines, Predictions

By Evan Birchmore

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 14: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets drives against the Orlando Magic during the second half of their game at Spectrum Center on January 14, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Orlando won 116-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 14: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets drives against the Orlando Magic during the second half of their game at Spectrum Center on January 14, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Orlando won 116-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets take the court tonight for their penultimate home contest of the 2022 season as the Orlando Magic come to town. Charlotte suffered a defeat against the Miami Heat in their last contest and is 40-39 on the season. Meanwhile, Orlando picked up a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last game to get to 21-59 on the season.

Keys to the Game

Get off to a good start 

This matchup has all the makings of a trap game. Charlotte will visit the Chicago Bulls tomorrow night while Orlando is expected to be without several rotation pieces tonight. The Magic will be without Cole Anthony (toe), Wendell Carter Jr., and Franz Wagner (ankle). The Hornets should be able to take care of business in this one, but to do so they must get off to a good start and not let the Magic hang around. Charlotte begins a stretch of three games in four days tonight, so getting off to a good start could also provide the opportunity to rest the starters in preparation for the next few days.

Points in the Paint

The Magic got a win on their last trip to Charlotte thanks in large part to points in the paint. In that matchup, Orlando scored 60 points in the paint to Charlotte’s 52. The Hornets are third in the NBA in points in the paint per game while the Magic are allowing the sixth-fewest points in the paint per game. Whichever team can control the paint will have a decided advantage in tonight’s contest.

Odds and Moneyline provided by FanDuel

Point Spread: Hornets -13.5

Money line: Hornets -1000 / Magic +660

Over-Under: 227.5

Final Prediction

As mentioned, this game has all the makings of a trap game. Orlando will be without several players and has nothing on the line except for their draft lottery positioning. Meanwhile, Charlotte needs to pick up a win as they continue to fight for postseason positioning. Charlotte will likely be without Gordon Hayward yet again as the veteran forward has been dealing with a foot injury this week and missed Tuesday’s game in Miami. Despite those circumstances, the Hornets simply have too much offensive firepower to lose to a depleted Magic team. The Hornets will get the win and cover, and the fourth quarter sees the benches cleared as the over hits.

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