On Game Day 44 it is a big ask in Charlotte for Orlando as the Magic take on the Hornets. Orlando are looking to end a ten game losing streak, having been involved in numerous close defeats.
The tip time in Charlotte is shown on the Orlando Magic website as being midnight here in the UK (7pm Eastern for our friends in Orlando). To watch the game live or on demand in the UK today you will need an active NBA League Pass 2021/22 subscription.
Head-To-Head: The Charlotte Hornets
History is very tight in this matchup. The all time head-to-head record in the 112 regular season games played sees Charlotte lead by 57-55.
This will be the third meeting of the season so far, both previous games being in Orlando. Charlotte won on Game Day 5 by 120-111 after finally pulling away from the Magic during the final quarter. For Charlotte Miles Bridges was unstoppable, with help from Gordon Hayward, Mason Plumlee and Jalen McDaniels. On Game Day 19 Charlotte won 106-99 Orlando held a lead in the third quarter but the Hornets gained control of the game with 15 unanswered points. Terry Rozier led all scorers with 27 points followed by LaMelo Ball with 22 and Kelly Oubre Jr registered 21 points.
The teams met on three occasions last season, the Hornets winning the series by 2 games to 1. Prior to that Orlando were on a run of having won the last 4 competitive meetings, Charlotte having won the previous 13 straight!
The teams have met twice in the playoffs. The record is 1-1 in series and 5-3 in games to Orlando. Charlotte were victorious in the 2002 first round meeting by a record of 1-3. On route to the Conference Final Orlando took a 4-0 win in the 2010 Eastern Conference first round playoff meeting.
Our Opponents – The Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are coached by former Orlando Magic interim head and assistant coach James Borrego.
Charlotte are a strong and talented team. Led by Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball (PG), they also feature Terry Rozier (SG), Gordon Hayward (SF), Miles Bridges (PF) and Mason Plumlee (C) in their most recent starting units.
Depth from the bench has mostly come from PJ Washington, Nick Richards, Kelly Oubre Jr, Ish Smith, Jalen McDaniels and Cody Martin. Much fancied rookie James Bouknight has only played limited minutes due to the strength of the starting and bench units.
Only Kelly Oubre Jr is out, being through COVID protocols.
The Orlando Magic Injury Report
The Magic start a back-to-back tonight and the injury situation is improving. ESPN shows 7 players still absent. Each of the injured players are on the trip and involved in shoot-around.
Jalen Suggs is out with a fractured right thumb. He is practicing and expected to return during this three game road trip.
Wendell Carter Jr remains a questionable game time decision with a sore left hamstring.
Mo Bamba is day-to day with a toe injury, making him questionable.
Markelle Fultz had been training with the Lakeland Magic but there remains no public timeline for his return.
E’Twaun Moore remains out with a sprained left knee.
Michael Carter-Williams is out after surgery to remove a bone fragment and repair his left ankle ligament.
Jonathan Isaac continues to be out as he rehabilitates from the surgically repaired left knee. He is said to be making steady progress. There remains no public timeline for his return to the court.
The Magic Lineup For A Big Ask In Charlotte For Orlando
Coach Jamahl Mosley will be hoping to be able to add Bamba and Carter Jr into the rotations but both are expected to be out.
Last Magic Starting Lineup – Cole Anthony (PG), Gary Harris (SG), Franz Wagner (SF), Chuma Okeke (PF), Robin Lopez (C)
Last Magic Bench Unit – Terrence Ross, Moe Wagner, RJ Hampton, Admiral Schofield, Ignas Brazdeikis (DNP)
