We close out the play-in phase of the NBA Playoffs with two games this evening. Despite the small slate there are certainly no shortage of options to consider. Here are some of our favorite NBA player props and bets for Friday, 4/17.
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NBA Player Props & Bets: Friday (4/17)
Kon Knueppel Under 25+ Points + Rebounds + Assists (-105)
Albeit only in his first season, Kon Knueppel has assumed a tremendous scoring role for the Charlotte Hornets. Having said that, the young guard hasn't fared very well against the Magic in the previous four games played this season between Orlando and Charlotte. Kneueppel has been a favorite on the season for over bets. Yet, we just don't see him clearing 24.5 points, rebounds, and assists tonight on the road against the Magic.
The rookie guard averaged 12.8 points, 5.25 boards, and 2.5 assists in the four matchups against Orlando in 2025-2026. Kneuppel scored six points with five rebounds and one assist in Charlotte's first play-in game against Miami. The Duke alum is putting up 13.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists through the last five games played on the road.
Knueppel has cleared 24.5 points, boards, and assists in one out of the last five games. The guard for the Hornets is scoring 10.8 points, with 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists over that span. Given the history with the opponent on the season, and the current form, the under seems like the better play on this combination prop.
LaMelo Ball 8+ Assists (-120)
LaMelo Ball has recorded eight assists or more in 33 games on the season. Ball is averaging 7.6 assists through the previous five games played. The guard for Charlotte finished with eight dimes or more in three out of the last five games played.
Ball is averaging 7.5 assists in four contests against Orlando this season. The young guard dished out 10 assists in the last game for the Hornets, and could be in line for the same this evening. Ball finished with eight assists or more in four out of six games played against an Eastern Conference opponent.
Ball is averaging eight assists through the month of April, and has reached eight dimes or more in five out of the previous seven games. The guard for Charlotte needed only 20 minutes of playing time to record five assists against Orlando when the two teams met last on 3/19. We are confident he plays more than 20 minutes tonight, and that could easily translate into eight assists or more.
Desmond Bane 4+ Assists (-120)
Desmond Bane has been a somewhat sneaky source of assists this season and could benefit from a Charlotte opponent looking to push the pace. Orlando gets home court advantage following their loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday. The home court rub in a win-or-go-home situation gives us confidence that Bane can finish with four or more assists this evening.
Bane is dishing out 4.5 assists over the last 10 home games. The veteran guard has reached four assists or more in seven out of 10 games when playing in Orlando. Bane has produced at least four assists in three out of four games this season against the Hornets.
Charlotte allowed 32 assists on 49 field goals in their previous play-in contest against Miami, which should bode quite well for Bane. If this contest turns into a shootout where both teams are scoring at will, the guard for the Magic is in a fantastic spot to dish out four assists or more.
Draymond Green 2+ Steals (+206)
There are a few possible avenues of success to take into account for Draymond Green in this contest. However, we believe it's best to take an alternative approach and attack a defensive prop that comes across as ambitious at first glance. However, Draymond Green is notably someone who is not going home without a fight, and could find himself with a major opportunity to finish with at least two steals against the Phoenix Suns.
Green is coming off a contest where he accumulated four steals in 35 minutes played. The veteran forward averaged 27.5 minutes over the course of the season, so the extra time on the floor is highly welcomed. Green hasn't scored more than seven points over the last five games. Obviously, the bump in minutes is designed to have the forward for Golden State on the floor for as much as possible for defensive purposes.
Green finished with two steals or more in two out of the last five playoff contests and two out of the last three postseason games played on the road. It's certainly a risky play. Yet, if Draymond Green can lock in defensively as was the case against the Clippers, he most certainly can record two steals or more tonight.
Royce O'Neale 7+ Points (-105)
We close out the night with a points prop that is extremely low - especially in regards to a play-in situation. Royce O'Neale has dominated the threshold for points scored (7+) against opponents in the Pacific Division, while having a very successful streak going from three-point distance against Golden State.
O'Neale has scored at least seven points or more in 17 games when the Suns are the home favorite against a Pacific Division opponent. The veteran forward finished with at least seven points in three consecutive contests. O'Neale averaged 10.2 points when playing at home this season.
The forward for Phoenix hit at least two baskets from beyond the arc in eight previous games played against the Warriors. O'Neale scored over seven points per game in four contests when opposing Golden State this season. The forward for the Suns has produced at least seven points in four of five games played within the Pacific Division.
Enjoy the games tonight. Best of luck with your picks!
