NBA Play-In Tournament score and live updates: Magic trouncing Hornets for final playoff seed in Eastern Conference

The Orlando Magic secured the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 91‑66 in the NBA Play‑In Tournament on April 17, 2026.

The victory finalized the Magic’s 45‑37 regular‑season record, moving them one spot ahead of the Hornets, who fell to 44‑38.

Orlando entered the game with a one‑game advantage in the standings, having already clinched the eighth seed after a strong second half.

Charlotte needed a win to force a second Play‑In game and keep its postseason hopes alive, but the early deficit proved insurmountable.

From the opening tip, the Magic displayed aggressive post play, out‑scoring the Hornets in the paint 38‑12 and dominating fast‑break points 16‑3.

Franz Wagner’s offensive rebound and feed to Wendell Carter Jr., who finished with a powerful dunk, set the tone for Orlando’s interior dominance.

Paolo Banchero contributed a thunderous dunk that pushed the lead to 31 points at halftime, a key momentum swing highlighted by the live broadcast.

By the end of the first quarter, Orlando led 25‑12, establishing a cushion that limited Charlotte’s strategic options.

Charlotte’s offense struggled to find rhythm, managing only 37 points in the first half, the second‑lowest first‑half total of the season.

LaMelo Ball’s three‑pointer cut the Magic lead to 25 points early in the third quarter, but Orlando responded immediately.

Anthony Black’s free‑throw after contact extended Orlando’s lead back to 30 points, reinforcing the Magic’s control of the game flow.

In the third quarter, the Magic’s bench contributed crucial scoring, with Desmond Bane adding four points and Jalen Suggs four more.

Charlotte’s attempts to rally were highlighted by three‑point shooting from Miles Bridges and Ball, but defensive lapses allowed Orlando to maintain a double‑digit advantage.

Coach Jamahl Mosley called a timeout after Ball’s three reduced the margin, emphasizing the need for tighter perimeter defense.

Orlando’s second‑half surge featured a 31‑point lead at the start of the fourth, a gap that the Hornets could not overcome.

Paolo Banchero’s pre‑halftime remarks stressed the importance of defensive energy and teamwork, echoing the Magic’s on‑court execution.

The Magic’s transition game proved decisive, converting 16 fast‑break points to Charlotte’s three, showcasing superior conditioning.

Charlotte’s largest comeback of the season, a 22‑point rally against New Orleans, underscored the improbability of a similar effort against Orlando’s dominance.

Statistically, the Magic out‑rebounded the Hornets 46‑28 and forced 14 turnovers, translating into 31 points off the fast break.

Orlando’s shooting efficiency was notable, with a field‑goal percentage of 56% compared to Charlotte’s 38%.

The final quarter saw Orlando maintain composure, adding 20 points while limiting the Hornets to a single‑digit output.

Charlotte’s fifth foul on Jalen Suggs, recorded by John Hollinger, highlighted the growing frustration on the floor.

Despite the loss, the Hornets retain the league’s eighth‑best scoring margin, a statistical footnote noted by senior writer John Hollinger.

Orlando’s win secures the Eastern Conference’s eighth seed, pairing them with the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs.

The Magic’s postseason path now includes a potential matchup against the top‑seeded Milwaukee Bucks, a storyline that will develop in the coming weeks.

Charlotte, now ninth in the East, will conclude its season unless the NBA alters the Play‑In format, a scenario deemed unlikely by league officials.

In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors faced the Phoenix Suns for the final playoff spot, a parallel contest to Orlando’s victory.

Kristaps Porziņģis’ ankle injury was a focal point for the Warriors, with Steve Kerr hopeful of his participation.

The Play‑In tournament’s conclusion marks the end of a dramatic postseason entry phase, with eight teams from each conference now locked in.

Orlando’s performance reflects a season‑long improvement, moving from a sub‑.500 record two years prior to a solid playoff berth.

Head coach Jamahl Mosley praised his squad’s effort, noting the importance of “energy on defense” and “being together as a team,” echoing Banchero’s sentiments.

Charlotte’s head coach, Steve Clarke, emphasized the need for defensive adjustments, citing the 31‑point halftime deficit as a turning point.

The Magic’s front office will now assess roster depth, with particular attention to the contributions of Bane, Suggs, and Wagner heading into the postseason.

Charlotte’s roster evaluation will focus on the development of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, whose shooting showed flashes despite the loss.

Both teams will review the Play‑In game footage to refine strategies, especially in transition defense and rebounding, areas highlighted by the live blog.

Below is a summary of the key statistical highlights from the Magic‑Hornets Play‑In matchup.

Team	Final Score	Key Stat (Paint Points)
Orlando Magic	91	38
Charlotte Hornets	66	12

The Magic’s dominance in the paint and fast‑break efficiency were decisive factors, as reflected in the 38‑12 paint point differential.

Charlotte’s limited success from beyond the arc, combined with a low rebounding total, constrained their ability to stay competitive.

Looking ahead, the Magic will aim to carry their offensive rhythm into the first‑round series, where defensive intensity will be paramount.

The Hornets, while exiting the postseason, will analyze this game as part of their broader development plan for the upcoming season.