Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic Prediction 1/22/2026 Today’s NBA Picks

The Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic duke it out at the Kia Center on Thursday night. Here’s a Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic Prediction. This article will include a Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic Pick.

Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview 

The Charlotte Hornets have been in decent form lately as they’ve split their last 10 games, but they will be hoping to bounce back in this one after falling short to the Cavaliers in a 94-87 loss last night. Brandon Miller led the team with 24 points, Kon Knueppel added 21 points with 11 rebounds while Miles Bridges chipped in with 11 points.

As a team, the Hornets shot just 34 percent from the field and eight of 47 from the 3-point line as they got off to a nightmare start. They scored just 32 points in the first half to trail by as many as 27 points, which was a shame because they were clearly the better team in the second half. LaMelo Ball had a night to forget as he shot just one of 15 from the field to finish with just two points off the bench. 

Orlando Magic Betting Preview 

Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic have been in similar form as they’ve split their last 14 games and they will be looking for a better effort after getting mauled by the Grizzlies in a 126-109 loss on Sunday. Anthony Black led the team with 19 points and six assists, Wendell Carter Jr added 18 points with seven rebounds and four assists while Paolo Banchero chipped in with 16 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.

As a team, the Magic shot 44 percent from the field and 10 of 33 from the 3-point line as they got off to a slow start and were always fighting an uphill battle after getting outscored by 40-23 in the first quarter. The Magic were more competitive in the second half, but they couldn’t really threaten as they fell victim to a scoring burst from Jock Landale who scored 21 points in just 23 minutes off the bench. 

Why the Orlando Magic will win

• The Magic have won each of their last eight home games following a loss.
• The Hornets have lost seven of their last eight road games against Southeast Division opponents that held a winning record.
• The Magic have covered the spread in each of their last six games as favorites against the Hornets following a loss.
• The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five night games at Kia Center.

Why the Charlotte Hornets will win

• The Hornets have won eight of their last nine night games against the Magic following a home loss.
• The Magic have lost five of their last six night games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Hornets have covered the spread in each of their last six games as underdogs on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Magic have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six night games against Eastern Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of the Hornets’ last eight night games on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Seven of the Magic’s last eight night games against Southeast Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Orlando Magic Player Facts

• Anthony Black ranks T6th in the league for fast break points (155) this season.
• Goga Bitadze ranks 6th amongst qualified players for blocks per 36 minutes (2.6) this season.

Charlotte Hornets Player Facts

• Ryan Kalkbrenner is one of only six players to have made 8+ field goals without a miss in a game this season.
• Moussa Diabate is one of only 12 players in the league to have recorded 6+ steals in a game this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Magic rank 1st in the league for free throw attempts per game this season (27.8).
• This season, 18.9% of the Magic’s scoring has come from the free-throw line – highest mark in the league.
• The Hornets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (20.8).
• The Hornets have missed the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons – longest active streak in the NBA.

Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic Prediction

The Hornets are still missing KJ Simpson and Mason Plumlee, while the Magic are still keeping an eye on Jalen Suggs who is questionable for this one. These teams have already met twice this season, with both teams winning a game on the road. However, while the Hornets are playing their second game of a back to back set, the Magic should be well-rested as they haven’t played since Sunday.

Based on recent form, the Hornets are capable of pulling off the upset on the road, but given that they are playing on zero days rest, I will lean with the Magic to take advantage at home in this spot.

Peter Tran's Pick: Orlando -6.5