The Charlotte Hornets have struggled through yet another challenging season, finishing with a 19-63 record and ranking 14th in the Eastern Conference. Injuries to key players like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams hindered their ability to compete effectively, leading to their third consecutive lottery trip. Despite head coach Charles Lee's first year, the team demonstrated potential with a promising core, though their injury issues remain a significant concern.

Among the roster, Miles Bridges emerged as the standout player, averaging 20.3 points and 7.5 rebounds in 64 games. Conversely, Mark Williams showed flashes of talent, averaging 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds, but his career has been marred by injuries. Brandon Miller's regression was disappointing, highlighting the need for improved health and consistency going forward.

Ja Morant led the Memphis Grizzlies to a decisive 124-100 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, finishing with 28 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. Memphis is closely chasing the playoff spots in the competitive Western Conference. Key contributions came from Desmond Bane (19 points), Zach Edey (17 points, 19 rebounds), and Jaren Jackson Jr. (14 points). However, concern arose when Jaylen Wells was taken off the court after a concerning fall during a dunk attempt, resulting in a Flagrant 2 foul for K.J. Simpson, who was ejected.

Wells' injury overshadowed the game, emphasizing the physical toll of the league. The Hornets were unable to find success in their efforts, with Miles Bridges leading their scoring efforts with only 14 points. As the Grizzlies prepare for their next game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, they aim to secure their position in the playoff race, while the Hornets look to regroup before facing the Toronto Raptors.

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.