NBA Play In Best Bets and Predictions for April 14th
Before we jump in—quick recap: I just wrapped up the regular season 48-30, up over 18 units, so we’re seeing the board well right now. Let’s keep it rolling into the Play-In.
🏀 Game 1: Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets
✅ Official Play: Charlotte Hornets -6
I’m going with Charlotte here—and I’m not overthinking it.
I know Miami took 3 out of 4 in the regular season, and that’s what’s going to scare people off this number. But if you’ve been watching lately, you know this isn’t the same Charlotte team we saw earlier in the year.
They’re playing their best basketball at the right time.
You’ve got a talented core led by LaMelo Ball, and this team is finally starting to click. There’s energy, there’s pace, and they’re pushing the tempo in a way Miami just hasn’t matched late in the season.
On top of that, you’ve got a young roster that’s hungry—and in a spot like this, at home, I trust the team trending up, not the one living off earlier results.
👉 Give me Charlotte -6
🏀 Game 2: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns
💰 Official Play: Portland Trail Blazers +2.5
🔥 Sprinkle: Portland Moneyline
This is my favorite spot on the board. I’m not just taking the points—I think Portland wins this game outright.
Look, the Portland Trail Blazers have been playing excellent basketball down the stretch. They had winning records in both March and April, and they’re coming into this game with real confidence.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns? Total opposite.
They’ve struggled late in the season, and it shows. The consistency isn’t there, the energy isn’t there—and now they’re being priced like the better team just based on name value.
And here’s where it gets even better… We’re seeing reverse line movement toward Portland. That tells you sharp money is coming in on the Blazers, even with the public likely leaning Phoenix.
That’s exactly the kind of signal I’m looking for.
👉 Give me Portland +2.5
👉 And I’m sprinkling the moneyline
🧠 Final Thoughts
This slate is simple if you don’t overcomplicate it:
One team trending up vs. one living off reputation
One team hot vs. one team fading
Sharp money backing one side clearly
I’m riding with the teams that are playing better right now.
🎯 My Card
✅ Hornets -6
💰 Trail Blazers +2.5
🔥 Trail Blazers ML
If you’ve been riding with me, you already know—we’re not guessing, we’re attacking value.
Let’s cash. 💸
Featured Offer
21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
Ethan is a sports handicapper who specializes in handicapping the NFL, College Football and Basketball, the NBA, NHL, and NASCAR. He has been betting for more than 7 years and has grown and developed many skills, strategies, and a lot of knowledge in many different markets that gives him a consistent edge over the sportsbook. Ethan is focused on placing +EV bets and being a long term winner which he has proven to be able to do as he is up over 150 units across the sports listed above since the 2022-23 seasons. Follow along with Ethan from a long term perspective and let him make you money weekly, monthly, and yearly.
BettorGreen Creator since 2022
