NBA Tips for Saturday, April 18th 2026

We have NBA picks and predictions for Saturday, April 18th, which features the Hornets vs. Magic and Warriors vs. Suns, with the winners progressing to the main NBA playoff draw.

Our picks include a best bet and NBA same game multi, and we’re looking forward to the NBA action this week.

Hornets vs. Magic Best Bet

Hornets –3.5 @ $1.90

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The Hornets pulled off an incredible win in the play-in game against the Heat, winning 127-126 in overtime. It was one of the more exciting wins in recent history, and they continue to ride the wave of momentum.

Playing the Magic is a tough ask, but there were big signs of distress late in the game for the Magic against Philadelphia, and they have lost their early-season form. It’s not a good sign, and the confidence Hornets look set to make the playoffs.

They are good enough to cover the –3.5 spread, especially if LaMelo Ball continues his meteoric rise as a premier point guard.

Hornets vs. Magic SGM

Hornets -3.5, LaMelo Ball Over 23.5 Points, Paolo Banchero Under 22.5 Points, Over 218.5 Points @ $8.00

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Ball went off for 30 points against the Heat, and although that included overtime, punters should be confident of him scoring over 23.5 points. He is enjoying his time on court this season, and it’s resulting in plenty of points.

One player who didn’t enjoy the play-in game was Paolo Banchero, who looked tired. He had only 18 points, and he ran out of ideas in the fourth quarter. Under 22.5 points is worth including for the Magic star.

Our NBA same game multi also includes over 218.5 points. They had 241 points in their latest meeting, so the line is shorter than expected.

Warriors vs. Suns Best Bet

Warriors @ $2.33

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Steph Curry stepped up big time for the Warriors when knocking the Los Angeles Clippers out of the playoffs, and he could repeat the dose against the Suns.

Curry’s class showed up, and with the Suns not having a player of his nature, we think he could be enough to cause an upset on the road. Curry had 35 points in the win, and the Warriors desperately missed him during the year.

We don’t have much faith in Phoenix to win during the playoffs. The Suns continually let punters down, and punters have to take $1.63 in a winner-takes-all game. That’s not ideal, so take the better value with the Warriors.

Warriors vs. Suns SGM

Warriors H2H, Steph Curry Over 27.5 Points, Devin Booker Under 26.5 Points, Over 219.5 Points @ $9.00

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We’re happy to ride Curry for another game, and he’s unlikely to go down without a fight. He’s a reliable shooter, and punters should be confident of the best shooter of all-time scoring over 27.5 points for the Warriors.

Devin Booker could struggle to get going for the Suns. As he showed against Portland, he can struggle when the pressure goes on. He had only 22 points, and with his line set at 26.5 points, we’re locking in the under.

NBA odds have another low line at 219.5 points. There is enough offence in this game for the over to cash for NBA SGM picks.

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.