
Brazil basketball legend Oscar Schmidt dies at 68
Oscar Schmidt, the legendary Brazilian basketball player, has passed away at 68 after battling a brain tumor.
The NBA Play-In Tournament finale features the Charlotte Hornets against the Orlando Magic, with player prop projections highlighting key betting opportunities. Data analysis reveals the most valuable bets for tonight's game.
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Our NBA player prop projections are set for tonightâs 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, weâve uncovered the bets with the highest value.
These Hornets vs. Magic predictions arenât guesswork â theyâre driven by the numbers.
For those building their cards, here are the modelâs top NBA picks for Friday, April 17.
The best player prop bets for the Hornets vs Magic game are identified through data analysis and market line comparisons.
Both the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic are competing in the Play-In Tournament, aiming for a chance in the playoffs.
Player prop projections are based on extensive data analysis and comparison with current market lines.
The Hornets vs Magic game is scheduled for April 17 as part of the NBA Play-In Tournament finale.

Oscar Schmidt, the legendary Brazilian basketball player, has passed away at 68 after battling a brain tumor.

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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 â 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 â 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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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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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 teamâs offense at the right time of year.
Orlandoâs defensive identity is built on length and help-side pressure, which often forces the ball out of a lead guardâs hands, but thatâs exactly where Ball thrives.
If Orlando commits extra attention to slowing his scoring, Ballâs 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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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 doesnât 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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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 hasnât 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.âs rebounding chances tonight.
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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.
Thereâs 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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| Location | Kia Center, Orlando, FL |
| Date | Friday, April 17, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime Video |
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