Orlando Magic Punch Playoff Ticket, Face Detroit

0:00It's April 18th. This is Charlotte Hornets News today, Team News powered by AI. Orlando Magic crushed the Charlotte Hornets 121 to 90 Friday night, punching their ticket to the playoffs for the third straight year. Piaolo Banchero, led with 25 points, setting up a tough first round clash against the top seated Detroit pistons in the east. This was Orlando's do-or-die second shot in the plane after dropping their opener to Philly on Wednesday. They dominated from the jump in front of a packed 18,000 fans at Kia Center, never letting Charlotte get too close. The Hornets fought back hard, with Lamello Ball dropping 21 in the third quarter alone, but Orlando's physical edge held firm, ballooning the lead to 35 by half time. Charlotte's late season surge couldn't carry them through. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors faced the Phoenix Suns later tonight for the West's number 8 seed, locking in the full playoff bracket. Playoffs tip off Saturday, so magickere up for Detroit while Hornets extend their decade

1:04long postseason drought. Stay tuned for the fireworks.