The Charlotte Hornets enter their March 25, 2025, matchup against the Orlando Magic with a 18-52 record, reflecting a season filled with challenges and growing pains. Despite their struggles, the Hornets have seen notable individual performances that provide hope for the franchise’s future. LaMelo Ball continues to be the centerpiece of Charlotte’s offense, averaging 25.4 points and 7.3 assists per game. His dynamic playmaking and scoring ability make him a constant threat, capable of altering the course of a game single-handedly. Complementing Ball is Miles Bridges, who contributes 21.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, bringing a mix of athleticism, physicality, and mid-range scoring that helps carry the offensive burden when Ball is closely guarded or off the floor. Bridges has shown flashes of his pre-suspension form, providing highlight-reel dunks and hustle plays, and has become one of the few consistent scoring options for the Hornets this season. Center Mark Williams has also emerged as a key figure in Charlotte’s frontcourt, averaging 15.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, while anchoring the paint on both ends. His shot-blocking and rebounding have been essential in keeping games competitive, especially against bigger and more physical teams. With Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier no longer in the mix following midseason trades, younger players like Brandon Miller and Nick Smith Jr. have received more playing time, accelerating their development and giving the coaching staff valuable insight into the franchise’s long-term core. Defensively, Charlotte has struggled mightily. They rank near the bottom of the league in most key categories, allowing 113.7 points per game on 46.6% shooting. Their pick-and-roll defense remains a persistent issue, often forcing rotations that leave shooters open on the perimeter. Despite decent individual defenders like Dennis Smith Jr. and the length of players like Bridges and Miller, the collective effort has not yielded the kind of consistency required to win close games.

The Hornets also rank last in the NBA in both free throws made and attempted per game, illustrating their passive offensive approach and an inability to draw contact and capitalize on the charity stripe—two factors that limit their scoring ceiling and late-game competitiveness. In home games this season, the Hornets have seen some of their best performances, but they still possess a sub-.500 record at the Spectrum Center. The team has played with more energy in front of its home fans and often starts strong before tailing off due to depth issues and defensive breakdowns. With Orlando coming to town—a team that has beaten Charlotte in three consecutive games this season—the Hornets will be looking to avoid a season sweep and restore some pride in front of their home crowd. A win over a playoff-hopeful divisional rival could serve as a springboard for momentum to finish the season with a stronger sense of identity. For the Hornets to have a legitimate chance in this game, they must keep turnovers down, contain Orlando’s size in the paint, and hit open three-point opportunities—something they have done inconsistently all season. The matchup between LaMelo Ball and Jalen Suggs will be central to dictating pace, and if Ball can find a rhythm early and create space for shooters like Miller and Bryce McGowens, the Hornets could keep things close. Charlotte’s young roster is still learning how to close games, but with Ball healthy and the team playing without pressure, they have a chance to surprise the Magic and notch a confidence-building win. Even in a developmental year, this matchup offers a real chance to measure progress, challenge a playoff contender, and give their fans something to cheer about down the stretch.