Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images

By Joel Reyes

The Orlando Magic moved one step closer to sealing a spot in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, taking a commanding 68-37 lead over the Charlotte Hornets at the half in their Play-In Game on Saturday (PH time) at Kia Center. 

Paolo Banchero scored a team-high 16 points for the Magic, who got off to a strong start against the Hornets. They built a 38-16 advantage after the first quarter and extended their lead to as many as 35 points in the second period.

Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images

Brandon Miller scored 12 points for the Hornets, who struggled mightily with their outside shooting in the first half. Charlotte shot 6-for-21 from beyond the arc during that period.

The winner of this contest will face the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs.