Let’s see if the Hornets can pull off another surprising road win. They play the Magic in Orlando tonight in a nationally televised game on TNT. Action tips at 7 Central.

At 34-17, Orlando are tied with Denver for the third-best record in the NBA. The’ve won five of their last six and are 19-5 at home this season. Like the Bobcats, who the Hornets just beat on Saturday, the Magic are known for their defense, holding their last six opponents to an average of 88 points per game. Reigning defensive player of the year Dwight Howard has been on a roll recently, averaging 21 points, 15.2 rebounds and 3.6 blocks in his last five.

The Magic are coming off yesterday’s big win in Boston, bouncing back from an unexpected loss to the Wizards at home on Friday.

Numbers:

Pace: Magic 95.0 (15th), Hornets 94.2 (20th)
Offensive Efficiency: Magic 106.4 (11th), Hornets 104.9 (14th)
Defensive Efficiency: Magic 99.4 (2nd), Hornets 105.7 (19th)

The Hornets are looking for their fifth straight win on the road, but may still be without Marcus Thornton who’s listed as questionable for tonight. On Saturday the Hornets ended a three-game losing streak by beating the Bobcats in Charlotte, thanks in large part to a career-high 24 points from Darren Collison.

Rival bloggers: Orlando Magic Daily (THN) | Orlando Pinstriped Post

(Many thanks to Dariusz for today’s banner featuring Bobby Phills. Be sure to check out more of Dariusz’s designs in our Wallpapers vault.)