PREVIEW: The Magic have stumbled early this season after dropping their opening road contests , and their offensive struggles continue to plague them heading into Charlotte. Orlando ranks 27th in offensive rating , a concerning sign for a team with championship aspirations, though they do rank first in defensive efficiency against shots attacking the rim. The Hornets currently lead the league in offensive efficiency and are averaging an impressive 128.3 points per game , representing a marked turnaround from a disappointing offensive campaign a year ago. Charlotte boasts a quick tempo ranking fourth in the league while maintaining strong spacing on offense , creating a stark stylistic contrast with the struggling visitors. Orlando faces a disadvantage playing the second night of a back-to-back against a Charlotte team that last competed the night before, though the Magic should theoretically be favored on paper. The Magic's defense does excel against rim attacks and they rank third in limiting three-point attempts, but they are 27th in three-point shooting efficiency , which limits their offensive ceiling. Charlotte's defensive approach focuses on protecting the paint while forcing opponents to shoot threes, an approach that could expose Orlando's shooting vulnerabilities. The Hornets present the superior offensive unit and hold a slight rebounding advantage, making this matchup intriguing despite the visitors' pedigree.