The Orlando Magic will aim for a more balanced offensive effort when they conclude their three-game homestand against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
In their previous game, the Magic relied heavily on Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, who combined for 68 points in a 112-106 home loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Wagner matched a season high with 37 points, while Banchero added 31 on a combined 25-for-51 shooting performance, including 7-of-17 from beyond the arc. However, the rest of the team was limited to single-digit scoring.
Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley highlighted the issue of turnovers, with Orlando committing 18 turnovers that led to 20 points for the Hawks.
Wagner has been instrumental in Orlando’s victories over Charlotte this season. He recorded 32 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a 114-89 home win on November 12, and followed it up with 21 points, seven assists, and four steals in a 95-84 road win on November 25. Banchero missed both of those games due to a right oblique injury.
The availability of Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball for Wednesday’s game is in question due to ankle soreness. Ball missed five games in January and February with a sprained left ankle before playing 36 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. He then sat out versus the Detroit Pistons on Sunday and missed the final three quarters of a 97-89 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday due to right ankle soreness.
Moussa Diabate scored a career-high 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds on Monday before exiting with a right eye abrasion. Rookies Tidjane Salaun and KJ Simpson also made significant impacts, with Salaun scoring 16 points and Simpson contributing nine points and nine rebounds.
Injuries and poor shooting from three-point range (19.4 percent) contributed to Charlotte’s struggles, as they have lost eight of their last nine games.
This matchup provides both teams with an opportunity to address their respective challenges and secure a much-needed victory.
