Hornets Host Charlotte Watch Party with Playoffs on the Line

The Hornets will stage a Charlotte watch party in the South End on April 17. It comes ahead of a win-or-go-home game against the Orlando Magic.

Game stakes and schedule

The winner will claim the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The team’s official watch party begins at 7 p.m. at Slate Charlotte, about 30 minutes before tip.

Team form and recent results

Charlotte has been one of the NBA’s best teams over the past couple of months. The club rallied from a slow season start to reach this decisive game.

The Hornets advanced to Friday’s matchup after a 127-126 overtime win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday. A victory Friday would end the franchise’s postseason absence dating to 2016.

Regular-season series vs. Orlando

Charlotte won three of four regular-season meetings with the Magic. The most recent matchup occurred on March 19.

Those three wins came by an average margin of 20.3 points.

Watch party features and attendance

The event at Slate Charlotte will include Hugo the Hornet and the Hive entertainment teams. Giveaways are also planned for fans in attendance.

Tickets are available by RSVP and appear to be free. Entry is subject to venue capacity limits.

Broadcast and betting

Fans who cannot attend can watch the game on Amazon Prime Video at 7:30 p.m. FanDuel listed the Hornets as three-point favorites mid-morning Friday.

Filmogaz.com will provide continued coverage and updates as the situation develops. Fans seeking tickets should RSVP early due to limited capacity.