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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.
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
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Kon Knueppel Over 2.5 assists
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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
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Kon Knueppel Over 2.5 assists
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Kon Knueppel Over 5.5 rebounds
Hornets vs Magic odds
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Spread: Charlotte -3.5 | Orlando +3.5
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Moneyline: Charlotte -170 | Orlando +145
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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.
How to watch Hornets vs Magic
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Location |
Kia Center, Orlando, FL |
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Date |
Friday, April 17, 2026 |
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Tip-off |
7:30 p.m. ET |
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TV |
Prime Video |
Hornets vs Magic latest injuries
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