Hornets one win away from playoffs, face Magic

The Charlotte Hornets are one win away from ending a decade-long playoff drought as they prepare to face the Orlando Magic for the final spot on Friday night in the Eastern Conference.

Over the last few days, Channel 9’s sports reporter, DaShawn Brown, has spoken with the team that continues to gain confidence, especially after the battle against the Miami Heat.

ALSO READ: Heat, Hornets react to NBA ruling on uncalled LaMelo Ball foul, and how he'll be eligible to play

The Hornets survived a win-or-go-home scenario on Tuesday with the 127-126 victory over Miami, and their reward? To do it again.

However, this is for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

They’ve already played Orlando four times this season and won three of those games.

The NBA said Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball should have been ejected for an uncalled flagrant foul when he reached out and tugged on the ankle of Miami’s Bam Adebayo.

Ball spoke Friday for the first time since the league fined him three days before.

“It’s all basketball. I feel like Bam knows,” Ball said. “We never had anything going on. I never had anything with anybody. I just go out there and play basketball. Even the one before. I’ve seen it. I tried to foul him.”

“Message, mindset, is to take the confidence of the last game, understanding that we are built for this moment,” said coach Charles Lee. “We have earned this moment, but on every possession, this is all we’re guaranteed is this one game.”

>> DaShawn Brown will be live at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. to break down the game and what’s next for the Hornets. Channel 9’s Eli Brand will also have instant reactions from one of the many Hornets’ watch parties.