Preview: Hornets open NBA Cup slate against Magic

Charlotte Hornets to face Orlando Magic in NBA Cup tournament opener

Preseason tournament will feature 16 teams competing in Las Vegas

The Charlotte Hornets will tip off their preseason schedule on Monday, Oct. 3 when they face the Orlando Magic in the NBA Cup tournament in Las Vegas. The tournament will feature 16 teams divided into four pools of four teams each. The Hornets are in Pool A along with the Magic, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Chicago Bulls. Each team will play three games in pool play, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the semifinals. The semifinals will be played on Oct. 6, with the championship game scheduled for Oct. 8. The NBA Cup is a new preseason tournament that is designed to give teams a chance to experiment with different lineups and rotations. It is also a chance for teams to get some early game experience before the regular season begins. The Hornets are coming off a disappointing season in which they finished 33-49 and missed the playoffs. However, they have made some changes to their roster this offseason, including the addition of point guard Terry Rozier and center Mason Plumlee. The Magic are also coming off a disappointing season, finishing 22-60. They have made some changes to their roster as well, including the addition of point guard Markelle Fultz and forward Aaron Gordon. The Hornets and Magic are both hoping to have a better season in 2022-23. The NBA Cup will give them a chance to get off to a good start and build some momentum heading into the regular season.