NBA Money Line Money Maker - Friday
- Handicapper
- Jim Feist
- League
- NBA
- Competition
- Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic
- Release Date
- 04/16/2026 11:36 PM
- Event Date
- 04/17/2026 07:30 PM
- Bet Type
- Moneyline
- Pick
-
Charlotte Hornets -165
(BetMGM)
- Outcome
- Loss
- Analysis
- Charlotte lines up a legitimate money-line case Friday because they have better short-term momentum and already proved they can win when the stakes are high in a postseason-type environment. The Hornets defeated Miami 127-126 in overtime on Tuesday during their 9-vs-10 play-in game as LaMelo Ball dropped 30 points and Miles Bridges added 28, allowing Charlotte to advance to this final play-in contest against Orlando for the East’s No. 8 seed.
Something else to like about Charlotte: how this Hornets team matched up with Orlando previously. Charlotte defeated Orlando by 130-111 back on March 20 and they won the regular-season series 3-1, which is significant in a one-game scenario because it means Charlotte’s speed, shot-making ability and overall matchup have been troublesome for Orlando in the past.
Here’s one more factor working in Charlotte’s favor: a rest advantage. Orlando suffered a 109-97 defeat at Philadelphia on Wednesday night and they never really quit, but they were very much in that game before fading down the stretch as Tyrese Maxey exploded for 28 fourth-quarter points. So Orlando is playing on short rest while coming off a physical defeat, whereas Charlotte got an extra day of rest after winning its play-in opener.
Charlotte needs Ball and Bridges to keep their offense aggressive, they have to play with confidence after taking down Miami and cause more matchup issues for Orlando, who they beat three times already this season. As a game this close, I like Charlotte as a money-line play Friday due to that recent head-to-head advantage and possessing the better momentum.
Jim's Play: 573. Hornets (Money Line)
