Magic rout Hornets in play-in game, advance to face Pistons

Orlando cruises to 121-90 victory, earning a spot in the NBA playoffs

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:20am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, energetic brushstrokes in neon colors that capture the intensity and movement of an NBA basketball game, with players' forms dissolving into vibrant splashes of paint.The Orlando Magic's dominant performance in the play-in game showcases their potential to make a deep playoff run.Today in Orlando

The Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 in a play-in tournament game on Friday night, building a 35-point lead in the first half and cruising to the victory. The win advances the Magic to the first round of the NBA playoffs, where they will face the Detroit Pistons.

Why it matters

The Magic's dominant performance in the play-in game shows they are a formidable team capable of making a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, the Hornets' early exit is a disappointment for a team that had playoff aspirations at the start of the season.

The details

Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic, scoring 25 points in the victory. Orlando jumped out to a huge early lead and never looked back, leading by as many as 35 points in the first half before coasting to the win.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Paolo Banchero

The 23-year-old forward scored a team-high 25 points for the Orlando Magic in the win.

Orlando Magic

The NBA team based in Orlando, Florida that defeated the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in tournament game.

Charlotte Hornets

The NBA team based in Charlotte, North Carolina that lost to the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament game.

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What they’re saying

“We came out with a lot of energy and really set the tone early. This was a big win for us and we're excited to keep our season going.”

— Paolo Banchero, Forward, Orlando Magic

What’s next

The Orlando Magic will now face the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

The Orlando Magic proved they are a force to be reckoned with by dominating the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in tournament. Their ability to build a big early lead and cruise to victory shows they have the talent and composure to make a deep playoff run.