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Magic-Hornets Preview

Mar 16, 2016 - 4:13 AM The Charlotte Hornets are trying to close out a seven-game homestand with a sixth victory in order to move closer to first place in the Southeast Division.

After their seven-game winning streak ended with a sloppy performance, the Hornets will need to be a lot more disciplined Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic.

Charlotte (37-29) has 16 games left in its chase for its first division title. The Hornets, winners of 13 of their last 16, are third in the Southeast, one-half game back of Atlanta and 1 1/2 behind first-place Miami.

The Hornets had their longest winning streak of the season snapped with Monday's 107-96 loss to Dallas, failing to overcome 26.8 percent shooting in the first half. Although Charlotte shot 60 percent in the second half, it finished 22 of 34 from the foul line and committed 15 turnovers that led to 18 points.

"We did a lot of good things," coach Steve Clifford said after practice Tuesday. "We didn't shoot the ball well early. I was really happy watching the film after not scoring in the first half, in the second half our offense was terrific. We got going again. It shows if we stay with it, we're going to be able to score.

"Again, the missed free throws and the turnovers were the difference."

Kemba Walker is usually the difference for the Hornets, leading them with a career-high 21.5 points per game. He's been even more productive over the last eight games, averaging 28.1 points and 7.1 assists while hitting 51.8 percent from the floor and 45.8 from 3-point range.

Walker is scoring 31.0 per game in his last four meetings with the Magic. He poured in 40 points with nine assists, seven rebounds and four steals, leading Charlotte's rally from a 15-point, fourth-quarter deficit in a 120-116 overtime win at Orlando on Jan. 22.

Nicolas Batum, who missed that meeting with a sprained right toe, is averaging just 6.8 points over his last four against the Magic. The guard, though, is coming off a 20-point effort against the Mavericks.

Charlotte has won three of four against the Magic, but those all came in Orlando. The Hornets are 3-11 in their last 14 at home in this series.

The Magic are last in the Southeast and 10-24 since New Year's Day, including 4-14 on the road. They're opening a stretch with five of six away from Orlando, coming off Tuesday's 116-110 home victory over Denver.

Evan Fournier matched his career high with 30 points while connecting on 11 of 19 from the field and 5 of 9 from beyond the arc.

"I was just trying to be as efficient as possible," Fournier said. "That's what basketball is all about. You can have 40 points, but if you take 40 shots, that's not good for the team."

He's averaging 20.8 points on 52.9 percent shooting over the last five games, major increases from his 14.7 points and 45.6 percent season marks.

The Magic are also getting production out of Victor Oladipo, who has scored 20.8 per game over the last five after netting 23 against the Nuggets. The guard had 29 points against Charlotte in January, giving him an average of 20.5 points in the past four matchups.