March 19, 2026, 9:40 a.m. ET

The Orlando Magic (38-30) and Charlotte Hornets (35-34) meet Thursday at 7 p.m. ET at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Let’s analyze NBA odds around the Magic vs. Hornets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Hornets lead 2-1

The Magic lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-108 Tuesday, covering as a 10-point home underdog with the Under (223.5) cashing. Orlando has lost 2 straight, but that streak came on the back of 7 wins in a row. It has gone 6-3 against the spread (ATS) in that 9-game span and 30-37-1 ATS on the season.

The Hornets beat the Miami Heat 136-106 Tuesday, covering as a 5.5-point home favorite with the Over (237.5) clearing. Charlotte has won 3 of its last 4 games, 2 of which were on the road. Although it has won often, it is just 1-5 ATS across its previous 6 outings and is 42-27 ATS this season.

The Magic won the first meeting 123-107 Oct. 30 in Charlotte, but the Hornets won the next 2 games in Orlando, 120-105 Dec. 26 and 124-97 on Jan. 22.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!Magic at Hornets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:31 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Magic +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Hornets -220 (bet $220 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Magic +5.5 (-115) | Hornets -5.5 (-105)Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Magic at Hornets key injuries

Magic

G Anthony Black (abdominal) outF Jonathan Isaac (knee) outF Franz Wagner (ankle) out

Hornets

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Magic at Hornets picks and predictionsPrediction

Hornets 116, Magic 113

PASS.

Avoid this play. The Hornets (-220) should find a way to win at home, but they haven’t played well enough as of late to consider at more than 2 times your money.

BET MAGIC +5.5 (-115).

The Magic have performed well as of late, especially as an underdog. They are 4-1 ATS across their last 5 games as an underdog. Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its previous 6 road contests as well.

The Hornets have struggled, not necessarily to win, but to cover. In 8 games since the start of March, they are 3-5 ATS, and are 2-4 ATS when favored.

BET OVER 225.5 (-110).

The Hornets have ample offensive firepower, and they are coming off an impressive 136-point effort against the Heat. Charlotte is 2-1 O/U in its last 3 games. Their season average is 115.8 points per game.

Orlando has gone 5-1 O/U across its previous 6 contests and has tallied at least 121 points in 4 of those outings. Its defense has come up short as well, allowing at least 113 points in 5 straight games. The Magic average 115.1 PPG.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Access more NBA coverage:

HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | LeBron Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire

Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.

Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose.  While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.  We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site.  Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.