Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic Picks and Prediction for Thursday January 22 2026

By: Eddie Kline Published 01/22/2026, 12:50 AM ET

Hornets Preview

The Thursday NBA schedule will get underway with a matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic from the Kia Center. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Hornets (16-28) are six games below .500 on the road and are looking to snap a nine-year postseason drought. This will be the second of a back-to-back for Charlotte, who trailed by 24 points at halftime during last night’s 94-87 home loss versus Cleveland.

Charlotte F Brandon Miller matched a game-high with 24 points on 8-for-20 shooting and pulled down four boards. Rookie G Kon Knueppel scored 21 points on 8-for-21 from the floor and grabbed 11 rebounds. Miles Bridges and Collin Sexton added 11 points each for the Hornets, who shot a woeful 8-for-47 from long distance.

Magic Preview

The Orlando Magic have won 13 of their first 19 home games and are tied with Philadelphia for fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Magic (23-19) rank in the middle of the pack in defensive efficiency and are giving up 115.2 points per contest. On Sunday, Orlando committed 17 turnovers and missed 23 of 33 three-point attempts during a 126-109 loss against Memphis in London.

All five Orlando starters scored in double figures and were led by Anthony Black with 19 points (7-15 FG). Wendell Carter Jr. scored 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting and secured seven rebounds. All-Star F Paolo Banchero added 16 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds for the Magic.

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Hornets vs Magic Pick

Orlando G Jalen Suggs (knee) did not play during Monday’s victory and is listed as questionable for this game. The Hornets are the better offensive team and have the edge on the glass. Take Charlotte to pull off the upset on the road. Final Score Prediction, Charlotte Hornets win 115-113.

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