NBA · Final

Hornets Defeat Magic 124-97 in Dominant Performance

124

Thursday, January 22, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Kia Center

Charlotte Hornets 124, Orlando Magic 97, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic?

Charlotte Hornets beat Orlando Magic 124-97 at Kia Center on January 22, 2026.

Who was favored in Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic?

Orlando Magic were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -166 (about 62% implied). The underdog won.

In a decisive victory, the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 124-97 at the Kia Center on January 23, 2026. This win marked a significant moment in the season, as the Hornets improved their record to 18-28, while the Magic fell to 23-21. Charlotte's performance showcased their ability to capitalize on opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they outscored Orlando significantly.

The Hornets entered the game with a mixed recent form, holding a record of 5-5 over their last ten games, but they were coming off a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their scoring average during this stretch was 115.1 points per game, while they allowed an average of 105.3 points. This contrasted with the Magic, who also had a 5-5 record in their last ten games but were on a one-game losing streak after a defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies. Orlando's average scoring during this period was 112.9 points, with an average of 114.6 points allowed.

At home, the Magic had a record of 3-1 in their last four games, while the Hornets struggled with a 0-3 record in their last three away games. Historically, Charlotte has led the series against Orlando, now holding a 3-1 advantage in their season meetings. The previous encounters this season included a Hornets victory on December 27, 2025, where they won 120-105, and an earlier win for the Magic on October 30, 2025, with a score of 123-107.

In terms of injuries, both teams faced challenges. The Magic had three players listed as day-to-day: Franz Wagner (calf), Izaiyah Nelson (ankle), and Jonathan Isaac (knee). The Hornets also had two players in a similar situation: Brandon Miller (shoulder) and PJ Hall (ankle). The status of these players could have impacted the game dynamics, but both teams managed to field competitive lineups.

The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with DraftKings setting the spread at Orlando -3.5 and the total points over/under at 224.5. The moneyline odds were -166 for the Magic and +140 for the Hornets, indicating a slight favoritism towards the home team.

Conditions in the arena were typical for a mid-season NBA game, with both teams needing to adapt to the atmosphere and the stakes involved. Viewers were treated to a display of skill, with key plays including Noah Penda's 20-foot pullup jump shot and Sion James making critical free throws in the fourth quarter. The Hornets' ability to maintain composure and execute under pressure was evident, especially as they built their lead late in the game.

As the game progressed, the Hornets demonstrated their offensive prowess, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they extended their lead significantly. The final scoring plays highlighted their dominance, with Penda and James contributing crucial baskets that sealed the victory. The Magic, despite their efforts, could not keep pace, leading to a disappointing home loss.

Overall, this game served as a reminder of the competitive nature of the NBA, with the Hornets showcasing their potential to challenge stronger teams, while the Magic will need to regroup and address their defensive shortcomings as they move forward in the season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	ORL -3.5	224.5 o -108 / u -112	Charlotte Hornets +140 · Orlando Magic -166

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Franz WagnerDay-To-DayCalfOrlando Magic
Izaiyah NelsonDay-To-DayAnkleOrlando Magic
Jonathan IsaacDay-To-DayKneeOrlando Magic
Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets

Leaders

PointsPaolo Banchero23Orlando Magic
AssistsPaolo Banchero5Orlando Magic
ReboundsPaolo Banchero7Orlando Magic
PointsBrandon Miller20Charlotte Hornets
AssistsLaMelo Ball7Charlotte Hornets
ReboundsKon Knueppel10Charlotte Hornets

Recent form

Orlando Magic

Last 10: 5-5Streak L1112.9 scored · 114.6 allowed per game3-1 at home

L109-126at Memphis GrizzliesJan 18
W118-111vs Memphis GrizzliesJan 15
W128-118vs New Orleans PelicansJan 11
L91-103vs Philadelphia 76ersJan 10
W104-103at Brooklyn NetsJan 8
L112-120at Washington WizardsJan 7
W135-127vs Indiana PacersJan 4
L114-121at Chicago BullsJan 3
W112-110at Indiana PacersDec 31
L106-107at Toronto RaptorsDec 30

Charlotte Hornets

Last 10: 5-5Streak L1115.1 scored · 105.3 allowed per game5-2 away

L87-94vs Cleveland CavaliersJan 22
W110-87at Denver NuggetsJan 19
L116-136at Golden State WarriorsJan 18
W135-117at Los Angeles LakersJan 16
L109-117at LA ClippersJan 13
W150-95at Utah JazzJan 11
L112-114vs Indiana PacersJan 9
L96-97vs Toronto RaptorsJan 8
W124-97at Oklahoma City ThunderJan 6
W112-99at Chicago BullsJan 4

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Atlanta	-	36	L1	.561	46
Orlando	1	37	L1	.549	45
Charlotte	2	38	W1	.537	44
Miami	3	39	W2	.524	43
Washington	29	65	L10	.207	17

Box score

Stat	Charlotte Hornets	Orlando Magic
Field goals	43-79	33-79
Field goal %	54	42
Three-pointers	17-36	14-37
Three-point %	47	38
Free throws	21-25	17-22
Free throw %	84	77
Rebounds	47	31
Offensive rebounds	10	6
Defensive rebounds	37	25
Assists	26	25
Steals	7	7
Blocks	4	4
Turnovers	14	12
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	16	14
Fast-break points	16	13
Points in the paint	50	36
Fouls	18	23
Largest lead	33	3
Lead changes	1	1
Time in front	97	1

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter84-60Paolo Banchero makes 3-foot turnaround jump shot
3rd Quarter86-60Brandon Miller makes 2-foot two point shot
3rd Quarter86-62Paolo Banchero makes 3-foot driving floating jump shot (Goga Bitadze assists)
3rd Quarter87-62Collin Sexton makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter88-62Collin Sexton makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter90-62Brandon Miller makes running layup (Collin Sexton assists)
3rd Quarter92-62Miles Bridges makes two point shot
3rd Quarter92-64Desmond Bane makes driving layup (Tyus Jones assists)
3rd Quarter93-64Collin Sexton makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter94-64Collin Sexton makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter97-64Brandon Miller makes 26-foot three pointer
3rd Quarter97-67Paolo Banchero makes 23-foot three point jumper (Desmond Bane assists)
4th Quarter99-67Kon Knueppel makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot (LaMelo Ball assists)
4th Quarter99-70Jett Howard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Noah Penda assists)
4th Quarter99-72Moritz Wagner makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot (Noah Penda assists)
4th Quarter99-73Jett Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter99-74Jett Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter101-74Moussa Diabate makes 3-foot layup (LaMelo Ball assists)
4th Quarter102-74Moussa Diabate makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter102-77Noah Penda makes 23-foot three point jumper (Desmond Bane assists)
4th Quarter102-79Jett Howard makes running layup (Noah Penda assists)
4th Quarter102-82Moritz Wagner makes 26-foot three point jumper (Desmond Bane assists)
4th Quarter104-82Moussa Diabate makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (LaMelo Ball assists)
4th Quarter107-82Collin Sexton makes 28-foot three pointer
4th Quarter109-82LaMelo Ball makes driving layup
4th Quarter109-84Moritz Wagner makes running layup (Jett Howard assists)
4th Quarter109-87Moritz Wagner makes 25-foot running jump shot (Noah Penda assists)
4th Quarter112-87Tidjane Salaun makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sion James assists)
4th Quarter112-89Moritz Wagner makes 2-foot two point shot
4th Quarter114-89Ryan Kalkbrenner makes 5-foot floating jump shot (Kon Knueppel assists)
4th Quarter116-89Tidjane Salaun makes layup (Sion James assists)
4th Quarter118-89Ryan Kalkbrenner makes dunk (Pat Connaughton assists)
4th Quarter118-91Noah Penda makes 20-foot pullup jump shot (Jonathan Isaac assists)
4th Quarter119-91Sion James makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter120-91Sion James makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter120-94Noah Penda makes 25-foot three pointer (Jonathan Isaac assists)
4th Quarter122-94Tidjane Salaun makes running layup
4th Quarter123-94Sion James makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter124-94Sion James makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter124-97Jett Howard makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot