Free NBA Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game April 17, 2026
CHA
@
ORL
Fri, Apr 17 • 7:30 PM ET
Kon Knueppel o2.5 Total Assists (-125)
While all eyes go to his chilly shooting performance, Kon Knueppel also recorded just one assists 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 assist 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. 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 total has been this low.
GS
@
PHO
Fri, Apr 17 • 10:00 PM ET
Devin Booker o26.5 Points Scored (-112)
Devin Booker is listed at -112 for over 26.5 points, and that’s a number we can absolutely attack—I make the over closer to -165. There’s no tomorrow for the Phoenix Suns, a team that clearly believes it should be in the NBA Playoffs. Booker’s usage and minutes should be elevated, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him push close to 40 minutes in this spot. Draymond Green is an excellent defender, but he can’t shadow Booker on the perimeter. The Warriors need him as a roaming help defender to protect the rim, especially with Jalen Green putting pressure on it. That likely leaves Booker matched up against players like De’Anthony Melton and Brandin Podziemski. The Suns should look to target the drop coverage of Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford, allowing Booker to operate comfortably in the mid-range or attack favorable isolation matchups against the Warriors’ guards and wings, who lack a true perimeter stopper.
PHO 1st Quarter -0.5 (-115)
Phoenix has made a habit of jumping on teams early, especially on their home floor. That pattern has held firm down the stretch, as they lead the league in first quarter net rating at home since the start of March with a league-best +6.8 first Q point differential. They’ve also led after the opening frame in seven straight home games. Defensively, they're fantastic against the three early on, ranking first in both opponent 3P% and threes allowed in the first quarter.
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TOR
@
CLE
Sat, Apr 18 • 1:00 PM ET
Dean Wade o3.5 Total Rebounds (-125)
Dean Wade steps into the starting lineup for the Cavs as the best option to counter Raptors small forward Brandon Ingram. Wade is a solid defender with length and the 6-foot-9 forward has pulled down four or more rebounds in 15 of his last 24 games. Projections sit north of four boards for Game 1 Saturday.
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