The Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets meet in Eastern Conference action tonight at the Spectrum Center.
Paolo Banchero has been killing the competition as of late, and while his point total is quite high, I’ll explain why I believe the former first overall pick will erupt in my Magic vs. Hornets predictions.
Read more in my NBA picks for Tuesday, March 25.
Magic vs Hornets prediction
My best bet: Paolo Banchero Over 28.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
The Orlando Magic are still in the race for a Top 6 spot in the East, and that’s due in large part to Paolo Banchero’s play. Although he missed a big chunk of this season with an injury, Banchero has definitely made his presence felt when available.
The Duke product is averaging 25.5 ppg in 38 appearances. His numbers are absolutely wild in March, averaging 30 points across 11 games. Banchero has cashed the Over in points in three straight and in five of his last six outings, registering 30+ in all of them. He’s faced a few solid opponents during that span as well, including the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Timberwolves.
Enter the Charlotte Hornets. They’re already eliminated from Play-In contention and rank 24th in defensive rating. While Banchero scored just 24 against them earlier in the campaign, Charlotte doesn’t exactly have anything left to play for, while Orlando does.
The Play-In looks to be the most likely scenario for the Magic, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be going full throttle to try and make the playoffs. If there’s any remote chance of that happening, their best player has to show up. Given the way he’s playing this month, I expect Banchero to torch the Hornets.
Magic vs Hornets same-game parlay
Paolo Banchero Over 28.5 points
LaMelo Ball Over 22.5 points
Magic -5
The Hornets might be in the Eastern Conference gutter again, but it’s clear they have a franchise cornerstone in LaMelo Ball. The youngster has stepped it up to another level this season, averaging a career-best 25.2 points per night.
Ball has hit the Over in points in three of his last five and he’s absolutely dominated the defensive-minded Magic in 2024-25. Across two meetings, LaMelo is averaging 39.5 points.
Orlando has covered a 5-point spread in three consecutive meetings. In fact, they’ve won by a minimum of five points in eight of their last nine games against the Hornets.
Again, Charlotte doesn’t exactly have any motivation to win at this point, while the Magic do. Orlando also just beat the Wizards by 15 points on the road and the Lakers by 12 at home. They will take care of the Hornets without any issues.
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Magic vs Hornets odds
Magic vs Hornets live odds
Magic vs Hornets opening odds
- Spread: Orlando -5 | Charlotte +5
- Moneyline: Orlando -188 | Charlotte +164
- Over/Under: Over 212 | Under 212
Odds courtesy of bet365
Magic vs Hornets spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Magic have covered the 4Q Spread in 50 of their last 83 games (+13.03 Units / 14% ROI).
- The Hornets have only hit the 1Q Moneyline in 21 of their last 76 games (-22.88 Units / -29% ROI).
- The Under has cashed in eight of the last 10 meetings.
Magic vs Hornets trend
The Hornets have hit the Under in 41 of their last 67 games (+13.50 Units / 18% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Hornets.
How to watch Magic vs Hornets
| Location | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC |
| Date | Tuesday, 3-25-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN |
Magic vs Hornets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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