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The Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic are in a battle for their NBA playoff lives.

Tonight’s NBA Play-In finale should be absolutely riveting, and my Hornets vs. Magic predictions and NBA props projections have found three potential mismatches to take advantage of.

Read on for my NBA picks for Friday, April 17.

Best Hornets vs Magic props

Player	Pick
Wendell Carter Jr.	Over 1.5 assists	+100
Miles Bridges	Over 1.5 threes	+102
Kon Knueppel	Over 2.5 threes	-130

Prop #1: Wendell Carter Jr. Over 1.5 assists

+100 at bet365

As the Orlando Magic's starting center, Wendell Carter Jr.regularly serves as the offensive hub, with Orlando guards and wings cutting to the cup off his passes.

Our Covers prop projections have Carter dropping at least two dimes tonight, which is something he has done in three of his previous seven games. 

The Charlotte Hornets rank among the league's worst at defending big man playmakers, making this a prime opportunity for Carter to rack up the dimes.

Prop #2: Miles Bridges Over 1.5 threes

+100 at bet365

Miles Bridges has quietly become one of Charlotte’s most reliable 3-point threats.

With LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller drawing constant defensive attention and creating open looks on the perimeter, Bridges benefits from some of the best kick-out opportunities on the team.

He’s knocked down at least four threes in four of his previous seven games and should get there again against Orlando.

Prop #3: Kon Knueppel Over 2.5 threes 

-130 at bet365

Kon Knueppel has been one of the more impressive shooting revelations for Charlotte this season. He’s drained the fourth-most threes in the NBA this season and is coming off a 0-for-6 stinker against Miami.

Our model expects a bounce-back shooting night, and Knueppel has made at least three threes in four of his previous seven games. 

I expect Orlando's defense to prioritize stopping Ball first, so I’ll back the rookie sharpshooter against the Magic. 

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The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns collide in a win-or-go-home showdown tonight, with the winner punching a ticket to the playoffs and the loser sent packing.

The Suns may be priced as favorites, but that number carries less weight in a win-or-go-home spot, where rotations shrink, stars take over, and variance swings harder than the market accounts for.

With prediction markets like Kalshi offering a sharper, real-time read on sentiment, we’re breaking down the latest Warriors vs. Suns predictions and best NBA picks for this high-stakes clash.

Who will win Warriors vs Suns?

Warriors win probability:43% (+133)
Suns win probability:59% (-144)

The Phoenix Suns come in as slight favorites at 59% (-144), while the Golden State Warriors sit at 43% (+133), setting up a tight game that will likely come down to which superstar — Devin Booker or Stephen Curry — takes over when it matters most.

Our prediction:Suns to win

Covers NBA expert Jason Logan says "The Suns are being discounted after running into a hot Portland squad on Tuesday, and the Golden State Warriors will show their age in a tough travel spot Friday."

Read more in Jason Logan's full Warriors vs. Suns predictions.

More Warriors vs Suns prediction markets

You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Warriors vs. Suns at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, and more, among other NBA odds markets.

You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Suns -2.5 spread means the Suns will cover, while "No" means the Warriors will cover — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using the Covers odds converter).

Warriors vs Suns spread and total at prediction markets

Our predictions:Suns -2.5— Yes and Over 218.5 points — No

That potential for a faceplant isn’t the only reason I’m fading Golden State. The Warriors will now hit the road for the fourth time in eight days, which is a lot of wear and tear on the aging legs of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis.

The Phoenix Suns, on the other hand, get to stay home and enjoy an added day of rest and prep. Phoenix is being discounted after running into a red-hot Portland squad in the Play-In and has shown an ability to bounce back from poor performances, going 22-15 SU and 21-16 ATS when coming off a loss.

Other Warriors vs Suns prediction markets available

• Devin Booker 25+ points (Yes: 64¢)
• Steph Curry 25% points (Yes: 70¢)
• Draymond Green double-double (Yes: 17¢)

What is Kalshi and how does it work?

Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will the Suns win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.

How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?

In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.

Why should I wager on Warriors vs Suns at Kalshi?

Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:

1. Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
   
   
2. Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
   
   
3. Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
   
   
4. Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.

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Our NBA player prop projections are set for tonight’s Play-In Tournament finale between the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic, with the model pinpointing several standout opportunities.

By analyzing the data and comparing it to current market lines, we’ve uncovered the bets with the highest value.

These Hornets vs. Magic predictions aren’t guesswork — they’re driven by the numbers.

For those building their cards, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, April 17.

Hornets vs Magic computer picks for April 17

Hornets	Magic
Ball o23.5 points -120	Banchero u22.5 points  -105
Knueppel o2.5 threes -130	Carter Jr. u7.5 rebounds  -135
Ball o7.5 assists +100	Suggs u5.5 assists  -125

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Hornets computer picks

LaMelo Ball Over 23.5 points (-120)

Projection: 23.6 points

LaMelo Ball has been on a scoring tear lately, putting up 29.4 points per game over his last five outings — a sharp jump of 9.2 points above his season average.

The matchup also works in his favor. When on the road, opposing starting point guards have shot 42.3% from beyond the arc against the Orlando Magic — the sixth-highest mark allowed in the league. That vulnerability from deep sets the stage for Ball to surpass his points prop once again tonight.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet ball Now at bet365!/span

Kon Knueppel Over 2.5 threes (-130)

Projection: 3.1 threes

The Magic have pushed the pace at the third-fastest rate in the league over their last 10 games, creating a boost in possessions for the Charlotte Hornets.

That uptick in tempo opens the door for Kon Knueppel to bounce back from a quiet postseason debut and make his mark from deep, giving Charlotte a much-needed spark as they look to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet knueppel Now at bet365!/span

LaMelo Ball Over 7.5 assists (+100)

Projection: 7.9 assists

Ball has cleared the 7.5 assist line in 6 of his last 10 games, and the recent trend points to a player fully in command of his team’s offense at the right time of year.

Orlando’s defensive identity is built on length and help-side pressure, which often forces the ball out of a lead guard’s hands, but that’s exactly where Ball thrives.

If Orlando commits extra attention to slowing his scoring, Ball’s assist upside only grows. With shooters spacing the floor and transition chances likely to increase, the path to 8+ assists is firmly in play once again.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet ball Now at bet365!/span

---

Magic computer picks

Paolo Banchero Under 22.5 points (-105)

Projection: 21.9 points

The Charlotte Hornets have operated at the slowest pace in the league over their last 10 road games, a trend that should naturally limit possessions for the Orlando Magic.

That kind of environment doesn’t set up well for Paolo Banchero, who has already fallen short of the 22.5-point mark in 6 of his last 10 outings.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet banchero Now at bet365!/span

Wendell Carter Jr. Under 7.5 rebounds (-135)

Projection: 7.2 rebounds

The Magic rank as the fourth-worst offensive rebounding team in the league at home over their last 20 games, limiting second-chance opportunities.

That trend hasn’t helped Wendell Carter Jr., who has fallen short of the 7.5 rebound line in 7 of his last 10 outings.

Facing a locked-in Hornets squad, expect them to control the glass and further cap Carter Jr.’s rebounding chances tonight.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet carter jr. Now at bet365!/span

Jalen Suggs Under 5.5 assists (-125)

Projection: 5.4 assists

Fewer trips up the floor means fewer chances for Jalen Suggs to rack up dimes, especially if Orlando prioritizes efficient scoring over ball movement.

There’s also a usage component to consider. In a win-or-go-home setting, the Magic are more likely to lean heavily on their primary creators, leaving Suggs to focus on defense, spot-up shooting, and secondary actions rather than orchestrating the offense.

If his touches remain in that complementary role, reaching 6+ assists becomes a tough ask once again.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet suggs Now at bet365!/span

How to watch Hornets vs Magic tonight

Location	Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date	Friday, April 17, 2026
Tip-off	7:30 p.m. ET
TV	Prime Video

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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Why Kawhi Leonard's praise after play-in was extra sentimental to Draymond Green originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green has built a career on intensity, edge and embracing the spotlight — but he revealed why recent praise from Kawhi Leonard carried deeper meaning than most compliments ever could.

“Hall of Fame defender,” Leonard said of Green after the Warriors’ 137-131 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in Wednesday night’s NBA play-in game. “It was hard to even get shots up.”

Speaking on “The Draymond Green Show,” Green said Leonard’s postgame comments resonated because they came from someone he deeply respects after years of competing at the highest level.

“I was flattered,” Green said. “Ultimately, what matters to you the most is the respect from your peers. And not just any peer, the respect from the peers that you respect.”

Green made clear his admiration for Leonard extends well beyond one game.

“I got so much respect for Kawhi,” Green added. “Every time I play against Kawhi Leonard, I get better. And I’m so grateful for him as a competitor, because he brings the best out of me.”

Green explained that while NBA players often are viewed through the lens of fame and money, life in the league can be mentally draining under constant public scrutiny.

“Man, it’s hard,” Green noted. “You have a bad game, and people say you’re trash, you suck. They dissect your personal life. It’s hard.”

That is why Leonard’s praise stood out. Green and Leonard have battled for championships, Defensive Player of the Year honors and postseason success over the years, making the Clippers star’s words especially meaningful.

“To hear him say that about me — me and Kawhi battled for Defensive Player of the Year awards and championship rings,” Green explained. “And for him to say, ‘He’s a Hall of Fame defender’; that’s one of the greatest defenders ever saying I’m a Hall of Fame defender. Man, it meant so much to me.”

Green added that mutual respect is what allows competitors to acknowledge greatness in one another openly.

At the same time, Green emphasized slowing Leonard down was far from an individual accomplishment, crediting the Warriors’ team defense and coaching staff for making life difficult on one of the NBA’s elite scorers.

“You don’t lock down great players,” Green said. “Kawhi still had 21 points. You don’t shut them down. But what you do is you just try to make it hard.”

For Green, Leonard’s words served as a reminder that some of the most meaningful recognition comes from the opponents who know exactly how hard the battle is.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

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The reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder enter this weekend’s playoffs as the clear betting favorites to go back to back, while the Los Angeles Lakers are dominating first-round series action. 

Key Takeaways

• OKC is the best-case scenario for BetMGM in the futures market.
  
  
• The Lakers are the most-bet team to win a first-round series.
  
  
• Bettors are split on three Game 1 spreads this weekend.

Western Conference top seed Oklahoma City opened as a +240 favorite in BetMGM’s NBA champion market, and the Thunder have shortened to +140. Because of the low NBA title odds and bettors taking chances on long shots like the Lakers, the sportsbook will be in a good spot if the favorite holds serve. 

“The Thunder are clear favorites to win the NBA Championship heading into the playoffs,” Anthony Parenti, BetMGM sports trader, said. “Among the true contenders, OKC is the best result on the futures market. The sportsbook is in the enviable position of getting to cheer for the favorite to win it all.”

BetMGM took more money on the San Antonio Spurs (+450) and more tickets on the Denver Nuggets (+1,000) than OKC, which is getting 10.9% of the bets and 15.5% of the handle. theScore Bet reported that the Thunder are leading the NBA champion market with 15.7% of the wagers and 15.8% of the money. 

FanDuel reported a massive influx of wagers on the Lakers at +25,000 earlier this week.

Lakers long shots

Sportsbooks will be sweating the Lakers in many ways. Not only are the LeBron James-led West 4-seed BetMGM’s biggest liability in the futures market, but they’re also the most-bet team to win their first-round series with odds of +425. 

The fifth-seeded Houston Rockets are -550 favorites that are only getting 8% of the tickets and 7% of the handle at BetMGM. The Lakers have taken 60% of the wagers and 80% of the money at theScore Bet, where L.A. is the only underdog with the majority of both categories. 

However, the most-bet correct score market by handle is the Rockets in seven games at +825. 

Heading into Saturday’s prime-time Game 1, the Lakers are 5.5-point underdogs and getting 68% of the bets at DraftKings. The Rockets have seen 54% of the handle in the series opener. 

Series upsets?

Among the first-round matchups set before the play-in concluded, another BetMGM underdog drawing heavy action is the Portland Trail Blazers, who have attracted more than 80% of both tickets and handle at +1,000 to upset the Spurs in a best-of-seven series.

At theScore Bet, No.2 San Antonio has seen over 90% of the tickets and handle to take out No. 7 Portland. The closest first-round series by tickets at the operator is Cleveland Cavaliers-Toronto Raptors, which is nearly an even split. However, 90% of the money is backing No. 4 Cleveland. 

The Cavs winning the series 4-0 with odds of +425 is the operator’s most-bet correct score for the market.

Bettors have taken a clear stance on the No. 2 Boston Celtics, hefty -900 favorites to get past the Philadelphia 76ers, who are getting less than 7% of the series handle at theScore Bet. The No. 3 New York Knicks (-270) are getting close to 90% of the money to eliminate the No. 6 Atlanta Hawks, while the No. 3 Nuggets (-340) have taken over 80% of the money to beat the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves.   

Game 1 splits

Aside from Lakers-Rockets, DraftKings bettors are currently split on two other Saturday Game 1 spreads. The Cavs (-8.5) are getting 69% of the handle, but 51% of the tickets have come in on the underdog Raptors. 

The Nuggets have taken 54% of the wagers as 5.5-point favorites, but the T-Wolves are getting 60% of the spread handle in the series opener. 

The Knicks are getting nearly 60% of the tickets and a dominating 84% of the handle as 5.5-point favorites over the Hawks. For Sunday’s games, the Celtics’ -12.5 and the Spurs’ -10.5 aren’t scaring off the majority of bets and money at DraftKings.

The Eastern Conference 1-seed Detroit Pistons await the winner of Friday’s Hornets-Magic play-in game, while the Thunder get either the Golden State Warriors or Phoenix Suns.

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There are head-to-head battles that never go out of style.

King Kong vs. Godzilla. Coke vs. Pepsi. Me vs. Mushrooms.

And Kevin Durant versus LeBron James.

These two future Hall of Famers face off in Round 1 of the Western Conference playoffs.

Durant leads a young, promising Houston Rockets squad against LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers’ skeleton crew, still playing without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Our Rockets vs. Lakers predictions look to Durant to do damage in the series opener, with my NBA picks taking KD to top his points prop on Saturday, April 18.

Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with the game airing on ABC.

Rockets vs Lakers Game 1 prediction

Who will win Rockets vs Lakers Game 1?

Lakers: The Houston Rockets are Game 1 road chalk, but if the Los Angeles Lakers are going to win at least one game in this series, it’ll be the opener.

LeBron James is fresh with a home-court edge, while the Rockets’ youngsters could shrink a little on the postseason stage.

It wouldn’t shock me if L.A. comes out swinging.

Rockets vs Lakers best bet: Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points (-110)

Editor's Note: This bet was placed Friday afternoon before Durant was listed as questionable for Game 1 due to a right knee contusion. That said, his points prop remains steady with some books dipping to 23.5 O/U. Keep an eye on our injury reports and X account for injury updates on Durant.

Kevin Durant didn’t go easy down the stretch. The 37-year-old powered the Houston Rockets to a 10-3 SU mark in his final 13 showings, averaging more than 27 points on 54.4% shooting.

To me, this Game 1 scoring total is criminally low, with two quiet efforts against the Los Angeles Lakers in mid-March anchoring this Over/Under. Durant put up twin 18-point performances on a combined 15-for-27 mark from the floor.

This L.A. lineup looks very different now.
 
The Lakers are without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, not only pulling the plug on L.A.’s offensive output but also leaving it with fewer options on defense. 

LeBron James will be forced to guard Houston's bigger forwards, so Durant will draw checks from the likes of Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, and Jared Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-11 small forward can shoot over smaller defenders while drilling 3-pointers when bigger ones can’t close out on the perimeter.

It’s been a minute since we’ve seen KD in the playoffs, but he’s always found another gear in the second season. He averages more than 29 points per postseason game for his career, and that production barely dipped in recent stops with Phoenix and Brooklyn.

Player projections sit as high as 27+ points from Durant in Saturday’s series opener. With the playoff spotlight shining a little bright for some of Houston’s young studs, he’ll set the tone right out of the gate.

Rockets vs Lakers Game 1 same-game parlay

If the Lakers have a shot at winning a game in this series, it’s this one. 

Los Angeles is at home, rested and ready for the Rockets. Houston’s young lineup could get caught up in the postseason pressure, and this opener will be closer than oddsmakers expect.

LeBron James has been doing it all for L.A. since losing Doncic and Reaves. He’s been racking up assists, but the Lakers will need him to score more, and I’m not confident Los Angeles’ supporting cast can capitalize on those setups.

Rockets vs Lakers SGP

• Lakers +5.5
• Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points
• LeBron James Under 9.5 assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: The King and I

The old guard has the green light in this playoff opener.

I’m backing both James and Durant to exceed their points totals while fading their passing numbers, as they take center stage as scorers in Game 1.

Rockets vs Lakers SGP

• Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points
• Kevin Durant Under 4.5 assists
• LeBron James Over 25.5 points
• LeBron James Under 9.5 assists

Rockets vs Lakers odds for Game 1

• Spread: Rockets -5.5 (-110) | Lakers +5.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Rockets -220 | Lakers +180
• Over/Under: Over 207.5 (-110) | Under 207.5 (-110)

Rockets vs Lakers betting trend to know

Los Angeles has covered the spread in 11 of its last 13 home games (+8.80 Units / 62% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Lakers.

How to watch Rockets vs Lakers Game 1

Rockets vs Lakers latest injuries

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