It will be a battle between Southeast Division opponents when the Orlando Magic (1-0) welcome the Charlotte Hornets (0-1) to Amway Center. The game can be seen on Fox Sports Carolina at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, October 19, 2018.
Charlotte opened as a 2-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 217 points.
Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic Free Prediction
Although the Hornets were topped by the Milwaukee Bucks in their last game, 113-112, they did cover as 3-point underdogs. The total points for the game (225) finished just over the O/U total of 222. Milwaukee’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Charlotte. The Bucks had a rate of 25.6, while the Hornets posted a mark of 16.4. Kemba Walker was the game’s leading scorer with 41 points on 15-for-29 shooting.
In the Magic’s last matchup, they edged the Miami Heat, 104-101, despite being 2.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (205) finished just under the projected point total of 207.5. The Magic had a better turnover percentage (10.0 vs. 13.0) and had a better free throw rate (0.202 vs. 0.165). Aaron Gordon was the game’s high scorer with 26 points on 9-for-18 shooting.
Second-chance opportunities could be rare for Orlando in this contest. The Magic rank 27th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.1 percent), while Charlotte ranks first in defensive rebounding percentage (80.7 percent) dating back to the 2017-18 season.
The Hornets are 36-47 straight up (SU) and 36-44-3 against the spread (ATS) since last season. A little over half of Charlotte games have finished over the O/U total since last season.
On the other hand, the Magic, are 26-57 SU and 34-48-1 ATS since last season. Orlando’s games have had a slight tendency to go under the projected point total over that same period (51.8 percent).
The Hornets won all four matchups against the Magic last season. In the most recent contest, Charlotte won 137-100. The Hornets made 24 of their 26 free throws (92.3 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.657 vs. 0.495).
Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Orlando is 12-9 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Charlotte is 13-3.
The Hornets are 35-24 when they score more than 100 points, while the Magic are 25-31.
Charlotte ranks fourth in rebounds per game (45.4) while Orlando ranks 28th in rebounds allowed per game (45.9).
The Hornets rank 10th in second chance points per game (13.0) while the Magic rank 27th (11.0).
Orlando ranks 12th in fast break points per game (12.6) while Charlotte ranks 28th (9.3).
The Hornets rank second in steals allowed per game (6.6) while the Magic rank 17th (7.7).
Charlotte ranks third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.6) while Orlando ranks 18th (17.0).
The Magic rank 11th in assists per game (23.4) while the Hornets rank 26th in assists allowed per game (24.8).
Charlotte averages 43.8 points in the paint per game, which ranks 16th in the NBA. Orlando ranks 29th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.3).
The Magic rank 14th in blocks per game (4.9) while the Hornets rank 20th in blocks allowed per game (4.9).
Orlando averages 29.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 15th in the NBA. Charlotte ranks 18th in three pointers allowed per game (30.1).
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