As the weekend kicks off, Friday's NBA slate includes seven exciting matchups, highlighted by a showdown between the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves. Key players like Miles Bridges are positioned for standout performances, especially following the absence of Lonzo Ball, while Kawhi Leonard’s recent form makes him a hot pick against the Brooklyn Nets. Jose Alvarado has the opportunity to step up in a depleted Pelicans lineup, making him a valuable DFS asset. Other notable mentions include Karl-Anthony Towns and Devin Booker, both of whom have shown high ceilings in recent games. The slate provides various options for both value plays and tournament pivots across DraftKings.

The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated clinching the top seed in the NBA with a dominating 141-106 victory over the short-handed Charlotte Hornets. The Thunder established control early, racing out to a 34-14 lead by the end of the first quarter, maintaining a commanding advantage throughout the game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 30 points, showing his prowess by scoring effectively both inside and from beyond the arc. This performance underscores the Thunder's readiness for the playoffs, demonstrating depth as eight players scored in double digits, while the Hornets struggled to keep pace without their key contributors.

Despite a brief rally from Charlotte in the third quarter, the Thunder responded decisively with an 18-0 run to cement the victory. The Hornets found themselves at a tactical disadvantage, unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities without a true playmaker. The Thunder's offensive fluidity, evidenced by 29 assists on 54 field goals, further showcased their capabilities as title contenders. With the regular season winding down, this win serves as a significant momentum builder heading into the playoffs.

The NBA betting landscape is heating up, particularly with player prop bets starting to gain traction. Miles Bridges is a player to watch, with a bet over 23.5 points against the Atlanta Hawks looking promising. With the Hawks' forward lineup depleting, Bridges has seen increased scoring opportunities, averaging 29 points on 48% shooting over his past seven games.

Dyson Daniels’ defense is also under the spotlight; his over 2.5 steals bet against the Hornets is backed by his impressive steal average this season. Meanwhile, OG Anunoby's over 1.5 steals against the Trail Blazers at +126 odds looks appealing as Portland is giving up significant steals. Ja Morant’s assists line of 7.5 against the Jazz is intriguing, especially given his past performance. Lastly, Onyeka Okongwu has potential for rebounds against a poor rebounding Hornets team.

The Charlotte Hornets showcased their resilience in back-to-back nail-biters, narrowly missing an upset against the Cleveland Cavaliers, followed by a thrilling victory against the Brooklyn Nets. On Friday, Miles Bridges’ attempted halfcourt heave fell short, but he redeemed himself the very next night by blocking a potential game-winner from Cam Thomas in the dying seconds. Hornets' play-by-play commentator Eric Collins delivered an electrifying call during the block.

Bridges expressed his joy in the aftermath, highlighting the importance of teamwork and the motivational push given by Taj Gibson at halftime. With the Hornets’ upcoming game against the Miami Heat, they aim to build on their recent momentum and shift their fortunes.

In a crucial matchup, the Charlotte Hornets will face the Brooklyn Nets without their star player, LaMelo Ball, who has been ruled out due to injury management. Ball's absence is significant as he boasts impressive averages of 25.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. The Hornets are struggling, coming off a narrow loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers and currently sit at 14-48, placing them 14th in the Eastern Conference, amidst a nine-game losing streak.

The Nets, on the other hand, are also struggling with a 21-41 record and are in the midst of a six-game losing streak. In games without Ball, Miles Bridges has stepped up, averaging 21.7 points and 9.7 rebounds in 15 games. Tonight, he will likely be the focal point for the Hornets’ offense as they search for a much-needed victory against a Nets team that has faltered recently.