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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Magic computer picksPaolo 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 |
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