Charlotte Hornets Await Sixers-Magic Loser in Play-In Tournament

Hornets look to secure first playoff berth in a decade after thrilling win over Heat

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a basketball game, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.The Hornets' playoff hopes hang in the balance as they await the loser of the 76ers-Magic matchup, with a chance to end their decade-long postseason drought.Today in Miami

After winning the NBA Play-In Tournament's nine versus ten game against the Miami Heat, the Charlotte Hornets will now face the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic matchup on Friday. The Hornets went 1-2 against the 76ers this season, but Philadelphia will be without star center Joel Embiid, who is recovering from an appendectomy. Charlotte had more success against the Magic, winning the last three meetings after losing the first game.

Why it matters

This is a crucial opportunity for the Hornets to secure their first playoff appearance in 10 years. The team has shown significant improvement this season, and a victory over either the 76ers or Magic would solidify their place in the postseason.

The details

The 76ers and Magic will face off tonight in Philadelphia, with the winner advancing to the first round of the playoffs. The Hornets will then host the loser of that matchup on Friday at 7:30 PM. Charlotte went 1-2 against the 76ers this season, with their lone win coming in a 37-point blowout in January. However, Philadelphia will be without star center Joel Embiid, who is recovering from an appendectomy. The Hornets had more success against the Magic, winning the last three meetings after losing the first game.

  • The 76ers and Magic will play tonight at 7:30 PM on Amazon Prime Video.
  • The Hornets will host the loser of the 76ers-Magic game on Friday at 7:30 PM.

The players

Joel Embiid

Star center for the Philadelphia 76ers who is out after undergoing a successful appendectomy.

Franz Wagner

Orlando Magic forward who has a 12-4 career record against the Hornets, with his only loss coming since December 2022.

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What’s next

If the Hornets defeat the loser of the 76ers-Magic game on Friday, they will advance to the first round of the NBA playoffs, their first postseason appearance in 10 years.

The takeaway

The Hornets have a golden opportunity to end their playoff drought and secure their first postseason berth in a decade. While they face a tough challenge against either the 76ers or Magic, the team's recent success against Orlando and the absence of Joel Embiid in Philadelphia give them a clear path to the playoffs.