The #Magic run their dribble handoff to Bane curling to the free throw line opening play that they always run and score on.

2-2, 11:18 1st

LaMelo Ball drained a deep step-back three on his first shot. And now he seems determined to shoot the #Hornets out of the game. One of the bad habits with Ball. #Magic are contesting shots but happy to see him not passing it.

15-9 ORL, 8:20 1st

The #Magic are making shots early and their energy on both ends is generally good. But I'm concerned about little things that add up. They have had a few rebounds that they didn't full secure. One ended in a steal. Have to do the small things.

19-15 ORL, 6:37 1st

The mood of this game is that both teams seem a little too hyper about it. Definitely feels like there is an intensity but an overeagerness about it. Paolo Banchero (5 points, 2/3 FG) has been a calming force mostly. But everyone needs to calm down some.

30-22 ORL, 3:11 1st

Starters are going to have to play super heavy minutes for a while. Paolo Banchero is in after playing 10:32 in the first quarter. Just three minutes into the second quarter. #Magic were +4 with him on the floor. -7 with him out.

40-37 CHO, 8:48 2nd

Of course, Banchero checks back in, settles for a three, turns it over and then settles for another three.

#Magic are not going to the paint at all right now.

45-37 CHO, 7:42 2nd

The #Magic aren't touching the paint and it really isn't anything the #Hornets are doing right now. Orlando is not attacking. Settling for bad shots all around.

49-37 CHO, 7:13 2nd

I don't know if the #Magic are going to win this challenge. But making the referees watch how physical the #Hornets are being on Paolo might put the bug in their mind that he is getting fouled. Magic need something to go right. It's all unraveling again.

49-37 CHO, 7:00 2nd

Jamahl Mosley rightly earns a technical foul and gets himself ejected. The officiating tonight has been really rough against the #Magic.

First time I believe he has been ejected. Team needed that energy flip. The officiating has allowed a lot of physicality.

58-41 CHO, 5:14 2d

The ejection has increased the energy a bit. But the #Magic simply are not making shots. Trying to do more of the right things, but they are missing looks they must make to come back in this game.

Paolo and Suggs are 3/9. Bane is 5/10.

67-47 CHO, 2:06 2nd

Paolo Banchero fouls Miles Bridges on a three-pointer on the opening possession. That was Paolo's third foul.

If you want to come back in this game, it's all about details. Can't be giving points away.

74-53 CHO, 11:43 3rd

Desmond Bane up to 24 points. He has gotten to the basket and made a three early. #Magic trying to fight their way back. They aren't quitting on this thing.

77-61 CHO, 9:44 3rd

The #Magic had it down to 16. But the #Hornets are on a three-point binge. And the #Magic cannot keep Diabate off the offensive glass without fouling him. Charlotte is in the bonus already. Really missing Carter's boxout ability tonight.

89-67 CHO, 7:00 3rd

Suggs is 1/5 from three tonight. da Silva is 0/1. Bane is a solid 3/5. Those are your best 3-point shooters for the #Magic.

The #Hornets have Knueppel at 4/8. White at 3/4. Sion James has hit 2/2. That doesn't include Ball and Miller.

It's math tonight. Have to make shots.

The #Magic are down 30. The #Hornets just not missing from three. But the #Magic are overplaying everything. Really no defensive principles tonight. Team just looks shellshocked. All the confidence from the weekend is gone.

103-73 CHO, 3:10 3rd

The two keys to this game were defending the three-point line and controlling the defensive glass. The #Hornets have 8 offensive rebounds (feels like significantly more) and 18 threes including nine in the third quarter.

No chance for this #Magic team.

110-75 CHO, 1:12 3rd

Alex Morales and Colin Castleton are both in the game. Morales is making his NBA debut tonight.

We won't see the starters the rest of the night, and rightfully so. The #Magic have a lot to figure out before Saturday.

115-87 CHO, 9:49 4th

As is tradition, the #Magic's deep bench is on a 15-2 run. The deficit is down to 22. <shrugs>

115-93 CHO, 8:35 4th