The Orlando Magic (1-4) visit the Charlotte Hornets (2-2) tonight at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte in what could turn into a fast-paced, high-scoring matchup.
Orlando’s defense — one of the league’s best last year — has collapsed early this season. The Magic have allowed 135 points or more in each of their last two games, including last night’s 135–116 loss to the Detroit Pistons on the road.
Charlotte, meanwhile, enters with one of the NBA’s most explosive offenses, averaging 128.3 points per game through four contests. Still, the Hornets surrendered 144 points earlier this week to the Miami Heat, the league’s top offense, leaving the door open for Orlando’s scorers to have a breakout game.
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have seen slight early-season dips, each averaging roughly two points fewer than last year’s marks. Desmond Bane — acquired in a summer trade — has boosted backcourt production, averaging 17.6 points per game. But the Orlando’s revamped trio still needs more time to gel.
Charlotte’s attack runs through LaMelo Ball, who’s off to a career-best start with 26.3 points, 9.5 assists, and 8.3 rebounds per game — near triple-double territory. Miles Bridges and Collin Sexton contribute about 19 points apiece, while rookie first-rounder Kon Knueppel out of Duke has made an immediate impact, averaging 16 points in nearly 30 minutes a night.
The Hornets’ two wins came against lower-tier competition — the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards — suggesting they still have something to prove against stiffer opponents like Orlando.
Predictions
Charlotte’s home-court advantage, fresher legs, and uptempo offense should give them the edge. Expect a close, high-scoring battle.
Prediction: Hornets 135, Magic 128
Injury Report
Orlando Magic
Franz Wagner — Questionable (left heel contusion)
Jalen Suggs — Out (left knee injury)
Moritz Wagner — Out (left knee recovery)
Charlotte Hornets
Brandon Miller — Out (left shoulder)
Grant Williams — Out (right knee surgery)
Josh Green — Out (left shoulder surgery)
How to Watch Magic vs. Hornets
Tip-off for tonight’s Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Hornets game is set for 7:00 PM Eastern / 6:00 PM Central at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The game airs live on FanDuel Sports Network Florida and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast.
Fans in the Charlotte and Orlando broadcast markets without a FanDuel Sports Network subscription can purchase one on Amazon here.
Out-of-market viewers can stream the matchup on NBA League Pass for free on Amazon Prime Video with a 7-day free trial here.
Amazon also offers a discounted subscription that starts at $12.74 for the first two months (then $16.99/month). The subscription also includes access to NBA TV.
Fans can also choose a Team Pass to follow one team’s games for $13.99 per month.
Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Hornets
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM Eastern / 6:00 PM Central
Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast
Streaming: NBA League Pass (out-of-market)