Follow live: Magic host Hornets in play-in tournament battle
TL;DR
The Orlando Magic host the Charlotte Hornets in a crucial play-in tournament game, with the winner earning the Eastern Conference's No. 8 seed. Charlotte aims for its first playoff appearance since 2016, while Orlando seeks its third consecutive playoff berth.
Key points
- Orlando Magic host Charlotte Hornets in play-in tournament
- Winner earns Eastern Conference's No. 8 seed
- Charlotte seeks first playoff appearance since 2016
- Orlando aims for third straight playoff berth
- Hornets won regular season series 3-1
It's win or go home for four teams Friday as the NBA play-in tournament concludes.
The Orlando Magic host the Charlotte Hornets with the winner earning the Eastern Conference's No. 8 seed. Orlando lost to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, and the Hornets survived to defeat the Miami Heat on Tuesday, setting up the matchup. Whichever team wins will face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the first round.
Charlotte, looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016, won the season series 3-1 against Orlando with all three victories coming by at least 15 points. The Magic can reach the playoffs for the third straight season.
In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors travel to play the Phoenix Suns for the No. 8 seed. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated Phoenix on Tuesday, and the next night, Golden State stormed back to beat the LA Clippers. The winner of the matchup moves on to the first round to go against the top-seeded and defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Warriors defeated the Suns three out of four times in the regular season. But their most recent matchup was Feb. 5 and didn't include Golden State star Stephen Curry or Phoenix stars Devin Booker and Jalen Green. Curry is coming off a 35-point performance, including 27 in the second half, against the Clippers.
Who will keep their season alive Friday? Follow along for all the top moments.
Q&A
What is at stake in the Magic vs Hornets play-in tournament game?
The winner of the game secures the Eastern Conference's No. 8 seed and advances to face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the playoffs.
When was the last time the Charlotte Hornets made the playoffs?
The Charlotte Hornets last made the playoffs in 2016.
How did the teams perform against each other in the regular season?
The Charlotte Hornets won the season series against the Orlando Magic 3-1, with all three victories coming by at least 15 points.
