ORLANDO (6-6) AT CHARLOTTE (5-6)
7:30 p.m., Charlotte Coliseum

TV: None locally; Radio: WBT-AM (1110)

The game is the first of a back-to-back set in this series. The teams also play Saturday night in Orlando.

The Hornets will be playing a third straight game without starting small forward Jamal Mashburn (strained abdominal muscle). His timetable for a return is uncertain.

The Magic, coming off a Wednesday win over Minnesota, is 3-5 on the road and 3-1 at home. The Hornets are 2-3 at home after two straight Coliseum losses.

Fans who bring new Barbie dolls or Matchbox cars with a value of $5 or more to donate to the Operation Christmas Child project will receive a complimentary ticket to the Dec. 13 game against Toronto. Look for representatives in front of the Coliseum from 6 to 7:30 p.m.