Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic Picks and Prediction for Friday April 17 2026

By: Eddie Kline Published 04/17/2026, 01:20 AM ET

Hornets Preview

The eighth seed in the Eastern Conference will be up for grabs on Friday night, when the Charlotte Hornets battle the Orlando Magic from the Kia Center. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Hornets (44-38) are five games above .500 on the road and are looking to snap a nine-year playoff drought. On Tuesday, Charlotte committed just six turnovers and needed overtime to escape with a 127-126 home victory versus Miami.

Charlotte G LaMelo Ball scored the game winning field goal with 4.7 seconds remaining in the extra session and finished with a game-high 30 points. Miles Bridges contributed 28 points on 10-for-18 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds. Brandon Miller added 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists for the Hornets.

Magic Preview

The Orlando Magic have been eliminated in the first round of the postseason in consecutive years and have not won a playoff series since 2010. The Magic (45-37) ranked 12th in the league in defensive efficiency and allowed 115.1 points per game. On Wednesday, Orlando missed 20 of 27 three-point attempts and shot just 41 percent overall during a 109-97 road loss against Philadelphia.

Orlando G Desmond Bane converted 10 of 11 free-throw attempts and led all scorers with 34 points. Former number one overall draft pick Paolo Banchero scored 18 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists. Anthony Black added 13 points and six boards off the Magic bench.

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Hornets vs Magic Pick

Orlando F Jonathan Issac (knee) did not play in Wednesday’s loss and will remain sidelined for this contest. The Hornets ranked ninth in the league in offensive efficiency and have the eighth best record since the All-Star Break. Take Charlotte to clinch a playoff spot with a road victory and cover. Final Score Prediction, Charlotte Hornets win 114-106.

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