The Orlando Magic (38-30) and Charlotte Hornets (35-34) will square off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game will broadcast live on NBA TV.
The Hornets are 5-point favorites over the Magic on the spread (Hornets -5), with the over/under set at 226.5 total points. Charlotte is a -205 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Orlando is +172 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Magic vs. Hornets predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, March 19.
Magic vs Hornets Prediction, Pick
- Magic vs Hornets pick: Under 226.5 (-110)
My Hornets vs Magic best bet is Under 226.5 total points in tonight's game. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Magic vs Hornets Odds
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5 -110 | 226.5 -110o / -110u | +172 |
| Hornets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5 -110 | 226.5 -110o / -110u | -205 |
Magic vs Hornets NBA Preview
My best bet for tonight's matchup between the Magic and Hornets is on the game to stay Under 226.5 total points.
This is a matchup between two of top defensive teams in the NBA since the All-Star Break, as Miami and Charlotte rank sixth and seventh, respectively.
The Magic and Hornets are both coming off a day of rest entering tonight, so they should be able to key in defensively without any sort of fatigue getting in the way.
Matchups between these two teams have been tilted towards the Under recently. Four of the last five meetings have gone Under the total.
One of my main concerns with the Magic is their depth. Orlando is getting very little production from the bench, Mo Wagner, Jevon Carter, Jett Howard, and others.
The Magic's supporting cast has been terrible — and in general, the reserves only shoot worse on the road.
Magic vs Hornets Predictions, Betting Analysis
This game is in Charlotte, where the Hornets' offense struggles at times.
Offense has also been an issue for this Magic team for years now — and now they are shaking up the rotation, trying to make things work.
The Magic have fallen to 23rd in offensive efficiency off the bench — and that isn't going to bode well against the Hornets.
Both of these teams have a lot to play for here. I think this game is going to be a rock fight. Give me the Under.
Pick: Under 226.5 (-110, FanDuel)
Spread
I'm not betting either side of the spread.
Moneyline
I'm not interested in the moneyline.
Over/Under
My Magic vs. Hornets betting prediction is under 226.5 total points.
