The last day of the NBA’s Play-In Tournament goes down tomorrow, which means two teams will be packing their lockers and heading to Cancun after the dust settles. Here are your NBA play-in predictions and preview for Friday, April 17th.
NBA Play-In Predictions & Preview For Friday, April 17th
Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic
Start Time – 7:30 PM EST
My numbers led me to go in on all the home teams for the first four play-in games, and only one of them covered. So, should I change my approach for tomorrow’s games, or should I expect things to revert to the mean?
Revert to the mean, obviously. A small sample size of four games won’t force me to change things up. However, going in on the Orlando Magic tomorrow is a nervous proposition, as they’ve become a bit of a train wreck. However, I don’t necessarily need them to win, just cover. My line is Orlando -1, so the Magic as a home dog is my play.
Best Bet: Orlando +4 (-112)
Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns
Start Time – 10:00 PM EST
Just like betting on the Magic makes me nervous, betting against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in an elimination game is a sweat, even when they’re playing “my” Phoenix Suns (especially then).
However, once again, I’m going with the home side. The Warriors’ old guys can’t come through two play-in games in a row on the road, right?! My line is Phoenix -6.5, so let’s go with the Suns on the spread.
Best Bet: Phoenix -3 (-108)
2025/6 Overall Record: 179-148 (55%)
Profit (based on $100/bet): $1,313.30
Return on Investment: 5%
SGPN Daily Content for April 17th, 2026
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