Magic vs. Hornets Predictions, Odds & Stats – February 12, 2025
The Orlando Magic will conclude their three-game homestand on Wednesday night, hosting the Charlotte Hornets at Kia Center in Orlando. Both teams are eager to rebound from recent losses and gain momentum as the All-Star break approaches.
Orlando Magic
In their recent 112-106 home loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the Magic relied heavily on Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. Wagner matched his season high with 37 points, while Banchero added 31. The duo combined for 25 of the team's 78 field goal attempts, highlighting a need for more balanced scoring. Head coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the importance of improved spacing and ball movement, noting that the team's 18 turnovers led to 20 points for the Hawks.
Wagner has been particularly effective against the Hornets this season. He recorded 32 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a 114-89 home victory on November 12, and followed that with 21 points, seven assists, and four steals in a 95-84 road win on November 25. Banchero missed both of those games due to a right oblique injury but has been a significant contributor since his return.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are dealing with injury concerns, particularly regarding star guard LaMelo Ball. Ball missed five games between January and February due to a sprained left ankle. After returning to play 36 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs, he sat out against the Detroit Pistons and exited after the first quarter in a 97-89 loss to the Brooklyn Nets due to right ankle soreness. His availability for Wednesday's game is uncertain.
In Ball's absence, players like Moussa Diabate have stepped up. Diabate scored a career-high 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against the Nets before leaving with a right eye abrasion. Rookies Tidjane Salaun and KJ Simpson also made notable contributions, scoring 16 and nine points respectively. Despite these efforts, the Hornets have lost eight of their last nine games, struggling with injuries and poor three-point shooting, as evidenced by their 19.4% performance from beyond the arc against Brooklyn.
Injury Reports
Magic: Moritz Wagner is out, and Jalen Suggs is questionable.
Hornets: Brandon Miller, Grant Williams, Tre Mann, and Josh Okogie are out. LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, Moussa Diabate, and Isaiah Wong are questionable.
Betting Insights
Spread: Magic favored by 11.5 points.
Over/Under: Set at 207.5 points.
Moneyline: Magic -667, Hornets +460.
The Magic have won both previous meetings against the Hornets this season, covering the spread in each and with both games going under the point total. Given the Hornets' injury challenges and recent form, the Magic are well-positioned to capitalize and secure a win before the All-Star break.
Note: All statistics and records are current as of February 11, 2025.
