Magic host Hornets in NBA Play-In Tournament clash

Charlotte looks to continue recent dominance over Orlando as teams battle for playoff spot

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:00am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting an abstracted basketball game, conveying the competitive energy of the Play-In Tournament matchup.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and dynamism of the high-stakes NBA Play-In Tournament clash between the Magic and Hornets.Charlotte Today

The Orlando Magic will host the Charlotte Hornets in a crucial NBA Play-In Tournament game on Friday night. Charlotte has won the last three matchups between the teams by an average of 20 points, but Orlando will be looking to bounce back after a lopsided loss to the 76ers in their first Play-In game. The winner of this contest will advance to face the loser of the Suns-Warriors game for the final playoff spot.

Why it matters

This game represents a high-stakes clash between two teams fighting for their playoff lives. The Hornets are looking to build on their first-round Play-In win over the Heat, while the Magic are hoping to avoid an early exit after a late-season slide. The outcome will determine which team secures the final postseason berth in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Charlotte earned its spot in this game by defeating the Miami Heat in overtime in the opening round of the Play-In Tournament. However, the victory came at a cost, as star guard LaMelo Ball was involved in a controversial incident that led to an injury for Heat center Bam Adebayo. Orlando, meanwhile, lost its first Play-In game to the 76ers despite an 18-point effort from rookie Paolo Banchero. The Magic will need to play at a faster pace to have a chance against the Hornets, who have dominated the recent head-to-head matchups.

  • The game is scheduled for Friday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
  • Charlotte has won the last three meetings between the teams by an average of 20 points.

The players

Paolo Banchero

The Orlando Magic's rookie star, who struggled in the team's first Play-In game against the 76ers.

LaMelo Ball

The Charlotte Hornets' All-Star guard, who was involved in a controversial incident that led to an injury for Heat center Bam Adebayo in the team's first-round Play-In win.

Bam Adebayo

The Miami Heat's All-Star center, who was injured in the team's Play-In loss to the Hornets.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to play fast and aggressive against Charlotte. They've had our number lately, but this is a new game and a new opportunity.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic Head Coach

“The controversy with Bam was unfortunate, but we can't let that distract us. We're focused on taking care of business in Orlando and earning our spot in the playoffs.”

— LaMelo Ball

What’s next

The winner of this game will advance to face the loser of the Suns-Warriors matchup, with the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference on the line.

The takeaway

This game represents a high-stakes clash between two teams desperate to extend their seasons and reach the NBA Playoffs. The Hornets have dominated the Magic in recent meetings, but Orlando will be looking to turn the tables and secure a postseason berth in front of their home fans.