The Charlotte Hornets face the Orlando Magic in the NBA Play-In Tournament on Friday. Rookie Kon Knueppel struggled in his last game, impacting the Hornets' performance.
Whether you’re saddling up at the urinal, putting on a one-man show, or making your NBA postseason debut, stage fright can get the best of us.
Just ask Charlotte Hornets rookie sensation Kon Knueppel, who suddenly forgot how to shoot in Tuesday’s Play-In Tournament win after a record-setting first season in the pros.
Knueppel came out ice cold from beyond the arc and couldn’t find his way in the offense, eventually getting the hook late in the game.
Our Hornets vs. Magic predictions won’t discount the Duke product too much in Friday’s Play-In finale but my NBA picks take a different way to wager on Knueppel’s contributions.
Hornets vs Magic prediction
Hornets vs Magic best bet: Kon Knueppel Over 2.5 Assists (-115)
The Charlotte Hornets’ star rookie had a rotten postseason debut, finishing 2-for-12 from the field, including a goose egg on six attempts beyond the arc.
What’s more disappointing is that Kon Knueppel couldn’t find other ways to contribute and found himself on the bench in crunch time. He logged just six minutes in the fourth quarter — and an extra frame — on Tuesday.
While all eyes go to his chilly shooting performance, Knueppel also recorded just one assist in the OT win over the Miami Heat and generated only two potential assists over his 34 minutes.
Q&A
What are the predictions for the Hornets vs Magic Play-In Tournament game?
Predictions for the Hornets vs Magic game will vary, but analysts are closely watching the performance of rookie Kon Knueppel.
How did Kon Knueppel perform in the last game for the Hornets?
Kon Knueppel had a challenging game, struggling with his shooting and being pulled late in the match.
What are the betting odds for the Hornets vs Magic game?
Betting odds for the Hornets vs Magic game can be found on various sports betting platforms, reflecting team performance and player conditions.
When is the Hornets vs Magic Play-In Tournament game scheduled?
The Hornets vs Magic Play-In Tournament game is scheduled for Friday, with exact timing available on sports schedules.
Related Articles
MLB·Preview
What channel is Pirates vs. Rays on today? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch MLB Friday Night Baseball game
Catch the Pirates vs. Rays game today! Here’s how to watch.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur News and Links for Friday, April 17
Tottenham Hotspur faces relegation challenges as Maddison returns to training.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Dodgers’ Edwin Diaz reason for not pitching in Mets series revealed by Dave Roberts
Dave Roberts explains why Edwin Diaz didn't pitch against the Mets.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MMA·Recap
Wilson KO shocks Belfast as McKee wins PFL debut
Jay-Jay Wilson stuns Darragh Kelly with a quick KO at PFL Belfast!
BBC Sport··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Blue Jays’ Kazuma Okamoto has message for fans amid .200 average and already 24 strikeouts
Kazuma Okamoto addresses fans as he battles a .200 average and 24 strikeouts.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB
Blue Jays need to call Rockies and trade for award winning outfielder to fix injury issues
Blue Jays may trade for Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle to address injuries.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
On the season, Knueppel has averaged almost 3.5 assists on 6.3 potential dimes per game. Before the Play-In, he had dished out three or more assists in four of the final five games of the schedule, including two five-dime showings.
The Hornets need more from Knueppel than long-range chucks if they’re going to punch their ticket to the playoffs Friday. In the two most recent matchups with the Orlando Magic, Knueppel dished out four assists in each outing – both one-sided wins for Charlotte.
With the Magic boasting one of the tighter perimeter defenses (33.8% - third lowest since the break) and the fourth lowest 3-point attempts against, Knueppel will find himself making the extra pass rather than letting it fly from deep.
His player projections for Friday’s win-and-in contest sit north of three assists, and this total of 2.5 O/U is just the fourth time in the past 11 games that his assist prop has been this low.
Hornets vs Magic same-game parlay
The Hornets are on the road but have the rest and prep edge due to the East Play-In schedule getting flipped in Philadelphia. Charlotte showed an ability to adapt to off-games from its stars and never stopped fighting in the win over Miami.
If Knueppel isn’t getting his looks from long range, Brandon Miller picks up the slack. He’s been electric for the Hornets and is forecasted for as many as 22.5 points on Friday. Miller has scored 25 and 20 in his last two matchups with the Magic.
Hornets vs Magic SGP
Hornets moneyline
Kon Knueppel Over 2.5 assists
Brandon Miller Over 19.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Wrath of Kon
The rookie has something to prove after laying an egg in his first taste of tournament action and must find other ways to impact the game beyond 3-pointers.
Knueppel’s projections call for as many as six rebounds and four assists in the Play-In finale, which could turn into a low-scoring slog. A slower pace of play and a lack of perimeter points will keep this final below the total.
Hornets vs Magic SGP
Hornets -3.5
Under 218.5
Kon Knueppel Over 2.5 assists
Kon Knueppel Over 5.5 rebounds
Hornets vs Magic odds
Spread: Charlotte -3.5 | Orlando +3.5
Moneyline: Charlotte -170 | Orlando +145
Over/Under: Over 218.5 | Under 218.5
Hornets vs Magic betting trend to know
The Hornets are 13-3 SU and 9-7 ATS as road favorites this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Magic.
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.
