Magic Seek Balanced Scoring Against Struggling Hornets

Orlando Aims to Spread the Offense in Homestand Finale

The Orlando Magic will look to diversify their offensive attack when they wrap up a three-game homestand on Wednesday night against the struggling Charlotte Hornets.

Orlando leaned heavily on Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero in Monday’s 112-106 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, with the duo combining for 68 points on 25-of-51 shooting (7-of-17 from three-point range). However, no other Magic player reached double figures, highlighting the team’s need for more balanced scoring.

Beyond offensive inefficiencies, head coach Jamahl Mosley pointed to costly turnovers as a major issue. Orlando committed 18 turnovers, leading to 20 points for Atlanta—an area the team must clean up against Charlotte.

Wagner Leading the Charge Against Charlotte

Orlando has already secured two wins over the Hornets this season, thanks in large part to Wagner’s dominance.

• November 12 (114-89 win): Wagner recorded 32 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
• November 25 (95-84 win): He added 21 points, seven assists, and four steals on the road.

Notably, Banchero missed both matchups due to a right oblique injury but will be available this time around.

Hornets Dealing with Injuries and Shooting Struggles

The Hornets are in the midst of a rough stretch, having lost eight of their last nine games. Making matters worse, star guard LaMelo Ball is questionable for Wednesday’s game due to lingering ankle soreness.

Ball erupted for 35 and 44 points in Charlotte’s previous two meetings against Orlando, but his recent injuries have kept him in and out of the lineup. After missing five games with a left ankle sprain, he returned Friday against the Spurs, only to sit out against the Pistons on Sunday and exit early against the Nets on Monday due to right ankle soreness.

Charlotte’s injury woes don’t end there. Moussa Diabate, who recorded a career-high 21 points and 10 rebounds on Monday, also left the game with a right eye abrasion. Meanwhile, rookies Tidjane Salaun (16 points) and KJ Simpson (9 points, 9 rebounds) provided solid contributions, but the team’s woeful 19.4% three-point shooting proved costly in a 97-89 loss to Brooklyn.

What to Watch For

• Can the Magic get more contributions beyond Wagner and Banchero?
• Will LaMelo Ball be available, and if so, how effective will he be?
• Can Charlotte improve its perimeter shooting after a dismal outing?

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