Hornets Advance to NBA Playoffs After Defeating Magic in East Play-In

LaMelo Ball and Charlotte Hornets secure No. 8 seed with win over Orlando Magic

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:08pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a basketball game between the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes representing the players' movements and the competitive nature of the contest.The Hornets' hard-fought victory over the Magic in the East Play-In Tournament showcases the intensity and drama of high-stakes NBA playoff basketball.Charlotte Today

The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 117-109 in the NBA East Play-In Tournament finale to clinch the No. 8 seed in the playoffs. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 26 points and 6 assists, while Paolo Banchero scored 21 points for the Magic. The Hornets, who were 3.5-point favorites, overcame a hostile road environment at the Kia Center to advance and face the Detroit Pistons in the first round.

Why it matters

This win marks a significant milestone for the Hornets, who had to fight through the Play-In Tournament to secure a playoff berth. The team's young core, led by All-Star guard LaMelo Ball, has shown its ability to perform under pressure and earn a postseason spot. For the Magic, the loss ends their season, but they can take solace in the promising development of Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero.

The details

The Hornets jumped out to an early lead and maintained control for much of the game, withstanding a late push from the Magic. Charlotte's balanced scoring attack, with Coby White and Kon Knueppel providing key contributions off the bench, proved too much for Orlando to overcome. The absence of Jonathan Isaac, a key defensive piece for the Magic, was felt as the Hornets were able to attack the paint and get to the free-throw line. In the end, LaMelo Ball's playmaking and clutch shot-making were the difference, as the Hornets secured the victory and a first-round matchup with the Pistons.

  • The East Play-In Tournament concluded on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • The Hornets defeated the Magic in the final game to earn the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The All-Star guard for the Charlotte Hornets, who led his team with 26 points and 6 assists in the win over the Magic.

Paolo Banchero

The Rookie of the Year for the Orlando Magic, who scored 21 points in the losing effort against the Hornets.

Coby White

The Hornets' reserve guard, who hit a clutch three-pointer to force overtime in Charlotte's previous Play-In win over the Miami Heat.

Kon Knueppel

The Hornets' bench player, who provided a reliable scoring punch with 16-18 points in the victory over the Magic.

Jonathan Isaac

The Magic's defensive anchor, who was sidelined with a knee injury and whose absence was felt in the team's inability to slow down the Hornets' offense.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough environment, but our guys stepped up and made the plays when it mattered most. LaMelo was incredible, and the whole team showed their resilience to get this win.”

— Steve Clifford, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets

“Losing Isaac really hurt us on the defensive end. We couldn't match their intensity and execution, and that was the difference in the game. But I'm proud of the way our guys fought and we'll be back stronger next season.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Head Coach, Orlando Magic

What’s next

The Charlotte Hornets will now face the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the NBA playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday, April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

This victory showcases the Hornets' ability to win in high-pressure situations, led by the dynamic play of LaMelo Ball. The team's depth and balanced scoring attack proved too much for the Magic, who struggled without their defensive anchor Jonathan Isaac. Charlotte's playoff berth is a testament to their resilience and the continued growth of their young core.