Through 3 Quarters

The Charlotte Hornets are flexing their muscles against the Orlando Magic, showing why they were favored to win all along. After three quarters it's looking more and more like Charlotte's high-powered offense is just too much for Orlando as the Hornets lead 98-82.

Shooting guard Terry Rozier has led the way so far for Charlotte, as he has 22 points along with eight boards. Orlando has been led by power forward Chuma Okeke, who so far has 17 points and four assists in addition to six rebounds and two blocks.

Orlando has lost 86% of the time when they were down heading into the fourth quarter this season, so this one seems just about wrapped up

Who's Playing

Orlando @ Charlotte

Current Records: Orlando 21-59; Charlotte 40-39

What to Know

The Charlotte Hornets will be returning home after a three-game road trip. Charlotte and the Orlando Magic will face off in a Southeast Division battle at 7 p.m. ET Thursday at Spectrum Center. The Hornets need to shore up a defense that is allowing 115.13 points per contest.

Charlotte has to be hurting after a devastating 144-115 defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat on Tuesday. The losing side was boosted by power forward Miles Bridges, who had 29 points along with six boards.

Meanwhile, even if it wasn't a dominant performance, Orlando beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-115 on Tuesday. Center Mo Bamba was the offensive standout of the matchup for Orlando, shooting 5-for-9 from beyond the arc and finishing with a double-double on 21 points and 12 rebounds in addition to six blocks. That makes it three consecutive games in which Bamba has had at least ten rebounds.

Orlando's win brought them up to 21-59 while the Hornets' loss pulled them down to 40-39. The Magic have been eliminated from playoff contention. Charlotte is still in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs, so these next three games are critical for them. They are expected to win this handily, but they should have beaten the Detroit Pistons Feb. 27 easily too and instead slipped up with a 127-126. In other words, don't count Orlando out just yet.

How To Watch

  • When: Thursday at 7 p.m. ET
  • Where: Spectrum Center -- Charlotte, North Carolina
  • TV: Bally Sports SE Charlotte
  • Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
  • Follow: CBS Sports App
  • Ticket Cost: $6.66

Odds

The Hornets are a big 14-point favorite against the Magic, according to the latest NBA odds.

The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Hornets as a 13.5-point favorite.

Over/Under: -110

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Series History

Charlotte have won 17 out of their last 24 games against Orlando.

  • Jan 14, 2022 - Orlando 116 vs. Charlotte 109
  • Nov 24, 2021 - Charlotte 106 vs. Orlando 99
  • Oct 27, 2021 - Charlotte 120 vs. Orlando 111
  • May 07, 2021 - Charlotte 122 vs. Orlando 112
  • Jan 25, 2021 - Orlando 117 vs. Charlotte 108
  • Jan 24, 2021 - Charlotte 107 vs. Orlando 104
  • Feb 03, 2020 - Orlando 112 vs. Charlotte 100
  • Jan 20, 2020 - Orlando 106 vs. Charlotte 83
  • Apr 10, 2019 - Orlando 122 vs. Charlotte 114
  • Feb 14, 2019 - Orlando 127 vs. Charlotte 89
  • Dec 31, 2018 - Charlotte 125 vs. Orlando 100
  • Oct 19, 2018 - Charlotte 120 vs. Orlando 88
  • Apr 06, 2018 - Charlotte 137 vs. Orlando 100
  • Feb 14, 2018 - Charlotte 104 vs. Orlando 102
  • Dec 04, 2017 - Charlotte 104 vs. Orlando 94
  • Oct 29, 2017 - Charlotte 120 vs. Orlando 113
  • Mar 22, 2017 - Charlotte 109 vs. Orlando 102
  • Mar 10, 2017 - Charlotte 121 vs. Orlando 81
  • Dec 28, 2016 - Charlotte 120 vs. Orlando 101
  • Dec 09, 2016 - Charlotte 109 vs. Orlando 88
  • Apr 13, 2016 - Charlotte 117 vs. Orlando 103
  • Mar 16, 2016 - Charlotte 107 vs. Orlando 99
  • Jan 22, 2016 - Charlotte 120 vs. Orlando 116
  • Dec 16, 2015 - Orlando 113 vs. Charlotte 98

Injury Report for Charlotte

  • Gordon Hayward: Out (Foot)

Injury Report for Orlando

  • Wendell Carter Jr.: Out (Wrist)
  • Cole Anthony: Out (Toe)
  • Franz Wagner: Out (Ankle)
  • Bol Bol: Out for the Season (Foot)
  • Jonathan Isaac: Out for the Season (Hamstring)