FINAL GAME OF THE SEASON
The Hornets have won the last two, including a 107-99 home victory on March 16 as Batum and Marvin Williams each scored 26.
Orlando's Victor Oladipo averaged 27 points in those defeats, but he and Aaron Gordon are likely to miss a third straight game due to concussion symptoms. Fellow starter Nikola Vucevic (groin, leg) may also sit out the season finale for a team that has had some too little, too late success.
The Magic have won six of nine following a 10-30 stretch that took them out of playoff contention. Still, Orlando will post its highest win total since 2011-12 in coach Scott Skiles' first season at the helm.
"We're going the right way," point guard Elfrid Payton told the team's official website. "I honestly thought that everybody in this locker room got better (from last) summer and I expect the same thing this year."
Payton, averaging 8.6 assists in the last 11 games, has been joined in the backcourt lately by rookie Mario Hezonja with Oladipo sidelined. The No. 5 overall pick had 19 points along with career highs of seven assists and five steals in Monday's 107-98 win over Milwaukee.
"I love to get everybody involved," Hezonja said. "When I score, I'm alone. But if I can get everybody involved, then I'm even more happy. So that's what it's all about."
AFTER THE MAGIC GAME
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