: LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 23 points, 21 of which came during a high-scoring third quarter, but it was too little, too late to bridge the massive deficit.
Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic Apr 17, 2026 Game ... - NBA
: With this loss, the Hornets have now missed the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons , the longest active drought in the NBA. What's Next? NBA PL: Hornets - Magic
The Orlando Magic officially punched their ticket to the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 17, 2026, with a dominant 121-90 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at the Kia Center. Led by a commanding performance from Paolo Banchero, the Magic secured the East's No. 8 seed and ended the Hornets' postseason hopes in blowout fashion. Game Recap: A First-Half Surge
Magic Make Hornets Disappear: Orlando Clinches Playoff Spot in Play-In Rout : LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 23 points,
: Paolo Banchero set the tone early, scoring 25 points to lead all scorers and propel Orlando into the first round.
The game was effectively decided early as Orlando opened with a relentless attack. What's Next
: The Magic raced to a 27-10 lead in the first quarter and ballooned that lead to 68-33 late in the first half.