Magic vs. Hornets: 3 Key Matchups to Watch in Orlando
As the Orlando Magic get set to host the Charlotte Hornets, there’s more at stake than just another regular-season win. This matchup offers a closer look at how the Magic are managing injuries, maintaining their defensive identity, and navigating their offensive limitations. On the other side, the Hornets may be short-handed, but they’re not short on firepower-especially from beyond the arc.
Here’s a breakdown of three key areas that will shape this game:
1. The 3-Point Chess Match
For the Magic, the three-point line has always been more about defense than offense. They rank near the bottom of the league in both attempts (24th) and accuracy (27th), and they know it.
This isn’t a team built to bomb away from deep. Instead, Orlando’s strategy is to limit how many threes their opponents even get off.
And they’ve been elite at it. The Magic allow the fewest 3-point attempts per game in the league (32.3), which helps neutralize the damage even when opponents shoot well (teams are hitting 35.7% against them, middle of the pack). It’s a math game-and Orlando’s been playing it smart.
That formula will be tested against a Charlotte team that lets it fly. Under head coach Charles Lee, who’s heavily influenced by Joe Mazzulla’s pace-and-space philosophy, the Hornets are fifth in the league in 3-point attempts per game (41.0). They’re not lights-out-just average at 35.9%-but the volume alone can shift momentum.
The real x-factor? Rookie sharpshooter Kon Knueppel.
He’s averaging 8.7 attempts per game and knocking them down at a scorching 41.9%. He’s not just a floor spacer-he’s a weapon.
If the Magic let him get comfortable, it could be a long night from deep.
The task is clear: close out hard, rotate with discipline, and keep the Hornets from turning this into a 3-point shootout.
2. Owning the Glass
One of the reasons Charlotte gets so many threes? Offensive rebounds. When they miss, they often get a second crack-usually from behind the arc.
The Hornets rank just 15th in offensive rebounds per game, but don’t let that fool you. Their offensive rebound rate-which adjusts for missed shots-is fourth-best in the league (33.7%). They’re also 12th in second-chance points (15.7 per game), meaning they know how to cash in on those extra possessions.
A big part of that effort has been rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner, who’ll miss this game with an elbow injury. Even without him, Charlotte’s system generates long rebounds from missed threes, and they’re quick to pounce.
Orlando, meanwhile, has traditionally been one of the best defensive rebounding teams in the league. They’re third in defensive rebound rate (71.5%) and second in fewest second-chance points allowed (13.2 per game). But lately, that’s slipped.
Over the last five games, the Magic have dropped to 12th in defensive rebound rate and a troubling 26th in second-chance points allowed (18.4 per game). That’s a red flag-especially against a team that thrives on hustle plays and broken possessions.
If Orlando wants to control the tempo and get out in transition, it starts with securing the glass. No rebounds, no run.
3. The Free Throw Factor
When the shots aren’t falling, the Magic have leaned heavily on getting to the line-and for good reason. They’re second in the league in free throw rate at 32.4%, which has been a lifeline for an offense that still struggles in the half court.
But that edge has dulled recently. Over the last seven games, Orlando’s free throw rate has dropped to 27.2%. That may not sound like much, but for a team that doesn’t rely on the three-ball, every trip to the stripe matters.
Franz Wagner’s absence has hurt. He’s one of Orlando’s best at drawing contact and creating pressure on the rim. Paolo Banchero is starting to pick up the slack, attacking more aggressively and getting to the line more consistently, but the Magic need more than just Paolo to generate those high-efficiency chances.
The challenge? Charlotte doesn’t foul.
The Hornets have the lowest opponent free throw rate in the league (23.3%). That’s not necessarily a sign of great defense-they’re still 25th in defensive rating-but it does mean teams aren’t getting easy points at the line.
For Orlando, that puts added pressure on execution. If they’re not getting freebies, they’ll need to be sharper in the half court, cleaner with their cuts, and more decisive with the ball.
Injury Report & Lineups
Both teams are dealing with key absences.
Hornets Out:
- Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow)
- Grant Williams (knee surgery)
- Mason Plumlee (groin)
- Liam McNeeley, Antonio Reeves, KJ Simpson (G-League)
Magic Out:
- Franz Wagner (ankle)
- Moe Wagner (knee)
- Colin Castleton (G-League)
Magic Questionable:
- Goga Bitadze (knee)
Magic Doubtful:
- Jalen Suggs (hip)
Magic Probable:
- Tristan da Silva (shoulder)
Projected lineups will likely shift depending on final injury updates, but expect the Magic to lean heavily on Paolo Banchero and their depth in the frontcourt.
The Bottom Line
The Magic aren’t at full strength, and it shows. In recent games, they’ve built big leads only to watch them evaporate, needing late pushes to close out wins. That speaks to both their potential and their current growing pains.
But one thing remains true: this team knows how to take care of business against lesser opponents. When they defend, rebound, and get to the line, they’re tough to beat-especially at home.
Charlotte has some firepower and plays a modern, perimeter-oriented style that can catch teams off guard. But if Orlando locks in defensively, controls the boards, and finds their way to the stripe, they should have enough to handle business.
This isn’t about perfection-it’s about progress. And for the Magic, that starts with doing the little things right.