The Charlotte Hornets host the Orlando Magic on Friday, December 26, as the teams meet for an Eastern Conference matchup in Charlotte. Tipoff is set for the evening as both clubs manage notable injury situations.
Charlotte enters the game with a 10-20 record and is coming off a 126-109 home win over Washington on December 23. Orlando arrives at 17-13 after a 110-106 victory against Portland, snapping a brief slide.
The Hornets’ injury report remains lengthy and continues to affect their frontcourt rotation. Ryan Kalkbrenner is out with a left elbow sprain, while Mason Plumlee remains sidelined due to a right groin strain.
Grant Williams is unavailable following right knee surgery. Liam McNeeley, Antonio Reeves, and KJ Simpson are also out due to G League assignments.
Despite the absences, Charlotte continues to rely on its primary scoring group. Miles Bridges leads the team at 20.6 points per game, while LaMelo Ball averages 19.6 points and 8.7 assists across 20 appearances.
Brandon Miller has provided two-way production in limited games this season, while Kon Knueppel has emerged as a consistent perimeter threat, shooting 41.9 percent from three-point range.
Orlando’s injury report carries significant weight for Friday’s matchup. Franz Wagner is out with a left high ankle sprain, removing the Magic’s leading scorer at 22.7 points per game.
Moritz Wagner remains unavailable as he continues recovery from a left knee injury. Jalen Suggs is listed as doubtful due to a left hip contusion.
Goga Bitadze is questionable with a left knee strain, which could impact Orlando’s interior defense and rebounding depth. Tristan da Silva is listed as probable after dealing with a right shoulder contusion.
With Wagner sidelined, Orlando’s offense has leaned more heavily on Paolo Banchero, who averages 20.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. Desmond Bane continues to provide steady perimeter scoring at 19.1 points per game.
The teams met once earlier this season on October 30, when Orlando earned a 123-107 road win in Charlotte.
