Hornets vs. Magic: Play-In Decides East No. 8 Seed Sport By lines April 17, 2026 Probabilities shown are market-implied and not predictions or recommendations. This content is for informational purposes only. The Hornets vs. Magic play-in tips off at Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. The East No. 8 seed waits for the winner. Charlotte arrives after a 127-126 overtime win over the Miami Heat. Orlando limps in from a 109-97 road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Charlotte Chases First Playoff Bid Since 2016 LaMelo Ball hit a game-winning layup Tuesday in overtime against Miami. LaMelo Ball leads a Charlotte roster that beat the Magic three times in the 2025-26 regular season. The Hornets won both meetings inside Kia Center. Charlotte has not reached the NBA playoffs since 2016. Franz Wagner sat out Wednesday in Philadelphia with a lower-body issue. Franz Wagner returning would reshape the Magic rotation. Orlando leans on Paolo Banchero for primary scoring. The Magic need every starter available on Friday. Polymarket prices the Hornets at 59.5% to advance as of Friday afternoon. Polymarket prices the Magic at 40.5% to steal the game. Market volume sits at $773,519 across both sides. View the live Polymarket game market for updated pricing. Related Markets How NBA Players Perform Without Crowds NBA News and Analysis Sports Coverage Archive Source: NBA.com Play-In Preview, April 17, 2026.
