WagerTalk NBA handicapper Andy Lang offers his Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic betting preview for Thursday, April 7. At the time of posting, Charlotte has opened as a 13-point home favorite over the road Magic, with the total sitting at 228.5 points.<\/p>\n
Stay on top of the latest NBA<\/a> updates direct from Las Vegas!<\/em><\/p>\n The Charlotte Hornets will host the Orlando Magic in an Eastern Conference clash on Thursday night. At 21-59, the Magic aren’t in a rush to win any games as they rather improve their chances in the upcoming Draft Lottery.<\/p>\n The Hornets are locked in the play-in tournament with a 40-39 record but could improve their positioning in the last few games. The road team has prevailed in every game in the head-to-head regular season series.<\/p>\n The Hornets won 120-111 and 106-99 in Orlando and the Magic won 116-109 in Charlotte.<\/p>\n The Charlotte Hornets aren’t fighting for their playoff lives, however some victories could improve their play-in position.<\/p>\n They are currently sitting in 10th place and in that spot they are one and done if they lose. However they are only 1.5 games behind the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets, if they move up they could get a home game or an extra game if they lose.<\/p>\n They haven’t done themselves any favors, losing two straight games including getting embarrassed by the Miami Heat 144-115 in their most recent game.<\/p>\n Miles Bridges led the team with 29 points and LaMelo Ball added a 18 point 14 assist double double. The only player listed on the injury report is Gordon Hayward who is questionable as he returns from a foot injury.<\/p>\n The loss to the Heat illustrates this teams season long problem, pathetic defense. They rank 5th in scoring, but 28th in points allowed.<\/p>\n The Orlando Magic are clearly playing for ping pong balls at this point. Head Coach Jamahl Mosley has benched starters for the majority of the second half in close games on multiple occasions.<\/p>\n They currently have the worst record in the Eastern Conference and second worst record in the NBA, only one game better than the Houston Rockets.<\/p>\n They are going to get another high lottery pick that much is clear and that could really push this young and talented team to the next level.<\/p>\n Some of that young talent was playing at too high of level for this particular season and mysteriously landed on the injury list. This list includes Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner & Cole Anthony who are already ruled out for Thursday and Gary Harris & Admiral Schofield who are both questionable.<\/p>\n Mo Bamba played last game and recorded a 21 point 12 rebound double double. Going over team statistics for a team that doesn’t look anything like earlier really doesn’t serve a purpose.<\/p>\n The Charlotte Hornets are heavily favored by 13.5 points with a total set at 228.5. You have to fully expect a strong effort from the Hornets after getting embarrassed and needing a win for seeding purposes.<\/p>\n We should expect little to no effort from the tanking Magic. The Macic have a limited offense, but almost anyone can score on this porous Hornet defense.<\/p>\n The Hornets will push the pace which will help the Magic push past their season scoring average. This has the makings of the Hornets dropping a huge number on the Magic. Over is the play here.<\/p>\n Prediction: Over 228.5<\/strong><\/p>\n \n\n\n
\n Thursday, April 7<\/th>\n NBA Betting Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n Point Spread:<\/td>\n Charlotte Hornets -13 vs Orlando Magic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Total:<\/td>\n 228.5 Points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Game Time:<\/td>\n 7:10pm ET \/ 4:10pm PT<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Arena:<\/td>\n Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n TV:<\/td>\n Bally Sports Florida<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic Analysis<\/h2>\n
Hornets Still Have Something to Play For<\/h3>\n
Thunder Deal With Mysterious Run of “Injuries”<\/h3>\n
Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic Prediction<\/h2>\n
NBA Stat Sheet<\/h3>\n