Hornets vs Magic: Eastern Conference Play-In Showdown

0:00It's April 17th, I'm Corey with The Story, and this is Charlotte Hornets News, today your AI Power Team report. Tonight's the night for the Eastern Conference play in finale, where the Charlotte Hornets face the Orlando Magic to grab that 8th seed and battle. The Detroit Pistons in the playoffs. It's due or die, winter advances, loser heads home from this 2026 NBA thriller. The Hornets punched their ticket here, with a wild 127-126 overtime stunner. For the Miami Heat, their first playoff push, since the 2015-2016 season, meanwhile, the Magic dropped the 97-109 decision to the Philadelphia 76ers in their 7 vs. 8 clash, now fighting, to extend their playoff streak. Fans are buzzing because the Hornets have owned the Magic this year, taking three of four matchups, including the last three by double digits. Orlando's got home court strength at 26 wins and 16 losses, but Charlotte's rolling is 29-8 favorites, with key guys.

1:02Like Lamello Ball dropping 30-10 in that last win, injuries are light, Musa Diabadeh hip questionable for Charlotte, Jonathan Isaac Knee for Orlando, but trends favor the Hornets covering the three. Point five spread, especially after their road record and against the spread edge. Magic Shooter struggled last time, hitting just one of 15-3s from starters, but they could heat up at home. Back to high scoring a fair, pushing over 218.5, with Charlotte's transition game, and Deball sealing another close victory to, locking their playoff spot.