Hornets learn valuable lessons in loss to Magic. How they respond will be key

Charlotte’s loss to the Orlando Magic in the NBA play-in tournament extended the league’s longest current playoff drought to a decade.

Hornets vs. Magic odds, prediction, time: 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament picks, April 17 bets by proven model

SportsLine's model reveals its Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic predictions and Friday NBA Play-In Tournament picks

Hornets vs. Magic Breakdown: 3 Ways Orlando Can Beat LaMelo Ball, Charlotte

Can the Orlando Magic stave off elimination? Explore 3 tactical keys for Orlando to neutralize LaMelo Ball, dominate the interior and secure a playoff spot.

Recap: 2026 SoFi Play-In Tournament | Magic, Suns earn eight seeds

Here ends tonight’s NBA.com live blog, as the Magic and Suns earn the eight seed and advance to the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, which begin tomorrow at 1 ET on Prime with Raptors-Cavaliers. Jalen Green (36 pts, 8 3PM) is your top performer of the night.

This is the Magic team everyone expected, and the Pistons are in for a first-round slugfest

The Magic slaughtered the Hornets on Friday and showed they are not your typical No. 8 seed in terms of talent

Where to watch Hornets vs. Magic free live stream today

The Orlando Magic take on the Charlotte Hornets for a fifth time this season on Friday, April 17, with the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference on the line.

The Magic found the formula for making the playoffs. For them, it was called desperation

The Orlando Magic found their winning formula. Desperation works. Works wonders, actually. Facing elimination and clearly wanting no part of it, the Magic might have put together one of their best performances of the season Friday night.