Magic vs Hornets ended in stunning fashion Friday night, as the Orlando Magic dismantled the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 in the NBA play-in tournament to secure the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. There was no doubt about the outcome, as Orlando took control at the first opening tip and never looked back to set up a first round playoff with the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.
Orlando’s Dominant First Half Sealed the Game Early
During the Magic vs Hornets game, the intensity of the team of Orlando was felt on the two sides of the floor starting with the initial pass. The Magic defense stifled the offense of Charlotte, causing four turnovers and blocking two shots in the first 12 minutes by itself. Orlando had a 10-0 and 13-0 run to open the game up and dominated the game 38-16 after one quarter on a blistering 67% shooting (16-of-24). Paolo Banchero was particularly deadly with 12 first-quarter points with a 5-of-7 shooting. The Hornets averaged 43.3 attempts per game in three-point average this season, but hit only 3-of-10 in the first quarter as the fast-paced identity of the Hornets was completely suppressed.
Banchero Leads Orlando’s Balanced Attack
The Magic vs Hornets match was a demonstration of the two-way brilliance of Paolo Banchero. The forward scored 25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and a block to lead Orlando. Franz Wagner contributed 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. chipped in 16 points – draining both of his three-point attempts – and 6 boards. The action and persistence on the other half of the line, as shown by Desmond Bane leaping after loose balls, made the Magic play until the end with the game long over.Reserve Jamal Cain also benefited, converting several easy fast-break layups as the blowout grew.
Hornets’ Season Ends, Playoff Drought Extends to 10 Years
In tonight’s Magic vs Hornets game, Charlotte’s promising season concluded with a painful exit. LaMelo Ball, slowed by three first-half fouls, managed just 2 points before halftime but finished with 23 overall. Miles Bridges added 15 and Brandon Miller scored 14, shooting 4-of-7 from three. Rookie of the Year contender Kon Knueppel struggled, going 3-of-10 from the floor and 1-of-6 from deep. Bridges also picked up a technical foul in a moment of visible frustration. The loss extends Charlotte’s playoff drought to 10 consecutive seasons – the longest active streak in the NBA.
What’s Next: Magic Set for Sunday Clash with Pistons
Following the Magic vs Hornets play-in result, Orlando now faces the formidable Detroit Pistons – the East’s top seed – in Game 1 of the first round on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. The two teams split their four regular-season matchups, making it a genuinely open series. While Magic vs Hornets may have been a blowout, the Pistons will pose a far stiffer challenge for an Orlando squad that, despite a disappointing regular season, looks dangerous heading into the postseason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the score at the end of the Magic vs Hornets play-in game?
On April 18, 2026, the Orlando Magic beat the Charlotte Hornets 121-90, and became the Eastern Conference No. 8 seed in the NBA playoffs.
Q: Who did the Magic have the highest scorer in the Magic vs Hornets game?
Paolo Banchero topped all scorers with 25 points in the case of Orlando and LaMelo Ball topped Charlotte with 23 points, most of which came in the second half once the game had been decided.
Q: Who will the Magic face in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
After their Magic vs Hornets play-in victory, Orlando will take on the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, with Game 1 tipping off Sunday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Q: How long is Charlotte’s current playoff drought?
The Hornets’ loss extended their playoff drought to 10 consecutive seasons – the longest active streak in the entire NBA.
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