The battle for the final Eastern Conference playoff spots is coming down to the wire, and both the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets are prominently involved. They will face off in the regular season finale for both on Wednesday in a game that could have huge ramifications.
The Hornets have used a hot finish to the season to stay in the race for one of the final berths in the East postseason. They are against the wall but hope the dream is still alive when these two teams face off. Orlando was able to clinch a berth last time out with a victory over the Celtics but is still jockeying for positioning. These teams are close in the standings, so Charlotte should be favored in this one in NBA odds.
This NBA basketball game between the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets will be held at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 10th, 2019. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
We'll have NBA basketball odds at BookMaker.eu available for every game of the 2019 NBA season.
Odds Analysis
The Magic have a record of 41-40 on the season. They have won three straight games and eight of their past 10, using that sizzling finish to grab a playoff berth. Orlando is 16-24 on the road this year.
Charlotte is 38-42 on the year. The Hornets have won three consecutive games to keep their playoff dream alive but cannot let off the gas. The Hornets will need some help to make the postseason but all they can control is continuing to win in the final two games of the year. Charlotte is 25-15 at home this year, so if a win would mean getting in, the Hornets would be feeling good about their chance in NBA gambling.
Injury Report
Hornets forward Marvin Williams has missed the past two games with a foot injury. While he isn’t a star, the veteran is a nice piece of the puzzle and it would help to have him available. Williams is averaging 10.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game this season.
Small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist missed Sunday’s game due to a personal issue. It seems like he will probably be back for this one, but keep an eye on any developments. Kidd-Gilchrist is averaging 6.8 points and 3.9 assists per game on the year.
Orlando center Mo Bamba missed Sunday’s game against the Celtics with a lower leg injury. He hasn’t played in awhile and seems unlikely to participate in this game. Bamba is averaging 6.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game on the year so it is a key loss.
Key Stat
1. That’s the number of games the Hornets sit behind the Pistons with two to play. The No. 8 seed is the only spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs that is still available as seven teams have clinched berths once Orlando did so last time out.
Detroit has lost four straight games to allow Charlotte an outside chance of making it to the postseason.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Hornets have been slightly inferior on the season but the location of this game is huge for them. Charlotte has all the motivation in the world to win this game and hopes that it will get enough help to make it to the postseason.
Orlando has the postseason spot wrapped up but still wants to finish as high as possible so will likely play to win. Charlotte is the choice to both capture this game and cover the spread in an inspired performance in NBA gambling.
NBA ATS Pick: Charlotte Hornets 111, Orlando Magic 104
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
