RealGM Basketball Wiretap

23 April 2026

• Hornets Hope To Re-Sign Coby White This Summer

  When the Charlotte Hornets traded for Coby White, GM Jeff Peterson said he envisioned it being a long-term move. Peterson restated those desires at his end-of-season media availability on Monday.

  "Like I said when we traded for Coby, we envisioned him as somebody who's going to be with the Hornets for a long time," Peterson said about re-signing White. "He embodies what we're about in terms of just of course on the court he's a really, really good player. But the human being, his approach, his professionalism... I'm just happy for him what he's been able to accomplish in this short amount of time.

  "I'm excited to see what this offseason looks like. He gets a full off season with us and then going into next season as well."

  White is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Hornets traded Collin Sexton and three second-round picks to acquire White at the trade deadline. That was later amended to two second-round picks, as Charlotte discovered the veteran combo guard was dealing with a left calf injury.

  In 21 games with the Hornets, White averaged 15.6 points in 19.4 minutes per game off the bench. The seventh-year guard shot 46.1% from the field, including 39.1% on 5.2 three-point attempts per game.

• Jeff Peterson Won't Take Shortcuts To Push Hornets Forward

  Charlotte Hornets GM Jeff Peterson is proud of the progress his team made, but won't take shortcuts to push his team into the playoffs next season. The Hornets fell to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament's game for the eighth seed.

  "We can't skip steps," Peterson said. "Again, I've seen it too many times and it ends up not going the way that you think it goes, in terms of trying to speed things up. Look, we've made a ton of progress this season internally, and I'm excited because I know that's going to continue to happen. But we'll continue to be strategic and when the opportunity presents itself, I know we'll be ready because of the flexibility that we have."

  Charlotte has two picks in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. After selecting four rotation players a year ago, the Hornets have another opportunity to deepen their roster this year.

  "I'm very excited about this draft," Peterson said. "It's if not the deepest, one of the deepest that I've ever been a part of. A lot of good players all over the draft, of course. But again, where we are from an asset standpoint, it's going to allow us to be flexible. So whether that means we bring two players in, consolidate, we'll have different options that we'll continue to explore and look at.

  "But I'm excited for whoever we bring in because I know that it's going to be someone who is a Hornet, and about what we're about and at some point will contribute to what we are building here."

• NBA Announces Finalists For MVP, Rookie Of The Year, Coach Of The Year, Other Awards

  The NBA announced the finalists for several different awards on Sunday night. They league also said that they'll begin revealing winners of these awards this coming week. The finalists for each award are listed below:

  Most Valuable Player

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Nikola Jokic
  • Victor Wembanyama

  Rookie of the Year

  • V.J. Edgecombe
  • Cooper Flagg
  • Kon Knueppel

  Coach of the Year

  • J.B. Bickerstaff
  • Mitch Johnson
  • Joe Mazzulla

  Defensive Player of the Year

  • Chet Holmgren
  • Ausar Thompson
  • Victor Wembanyama

  Sixth Man of the Year

  • Tim Hardaway Jr.
  • Jaime Jaquez Jr.
  • Keldon Johnson

  Most Improved Player

  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker
  • Deni Avdija
  • Jalen Duren

  Clutch Player of the Year

  • Anthony Edwards
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Jamal Murray
• NBA Scheduled To Hold 2026 Draft Pick Tiebreakers On Monday

  The NBA is set to hold tiebreakers for selections in the 2026 NBA Draft on Monday, April 20. If the tie is between lottery teams, these tiebreakers set the order pre-Draft Lottery. The actual lottery odds will be split evenly between the tied teams.

  Non-lottery teams will also have their order decided by the tiebreakers. The second-round draft order will then be the inverse of the first-round.

  The ties to be broken are:

  4/5: Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz

  7/8: Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans*

  16/17/18: Orlando Magic*, Philadelphia 76ers*, Phoenix Suns*

  19/20: Atlanta Hawks* and Toronto Raptors

  22/23: Cleveland Cavaliers* and Houston Rockets*

  24/25: Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks

  *These picks will be conveyed to the following teams:

  New Orleans Pelicans: Atlanta Hawks or Milwaukee Bucks (Atlanta receives the more favorable selection)

  Orlando Magic: Memphis Grizzlies

  Philadelphia 76ers: Oklahoma City Thunder

  Phoenix Suns: Charlotte Hornets

  Atlanta Hawks: San Antonio Spurs

  Cleveland Cavaliers: Atlanta Hawks

  Houston Rockets: Philadelphia 76ers

• How To Watch Magic vs. Hornets Play-In Game: Live Stream, TV Channel, Predictions

  The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament reaches its thrilling conclusion this Friday, April 17, with a "win-or-go-home" finale for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Charlotte Hornets host the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center. The Hornets (44-38) are looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Heat, while the Magic (45-37) enter with momentum following an emotional victory over the 76ers. The winner officially claims the #8 seed and a first-round date with the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. Catch the drama live on Prime Video.

  This do-or-die showdown features two of the East's most exciting young cores. Orlando is led by Paolo Banchero and trade-deadline star Desmond Bane, who have combined for nearly 45 points per game in April. Charlotte counters with the dynamic duo of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. After falling short in their first Play-In game, the Hornets must find a way to break through Orlando's length and defensive intensity. You can witness this winner-take-all battle streaming live on Prime.

  The interior matchup between Wendell Carter Jr. and the Hornets' frontcourt will be critical, as both teams ranked in the top ten in second-chance points this season. With the #8 seed on the line, expect a physical, playoff-caliber game from the opening tip. Prime Video is your exclusive home for the final game of the Eastern Conference Play-In tournament.

  Charlotte's home-court energy at Spectrum Center will be a major factor, but the Magic have proven they can win high-stakes games on the road. Whether it's Franz Wagner's playmaking or Miles Bridges' explosiveness, tonight will be decided by which star handles the elimination pressure best. Fubo is no longer the home for this tournament-stream the Magic and Hornets exclusively on Prime Video.

  How to watch Magic vs. Hornets

  Tonight's Eastern Conference Play-In finale will be broadcast nationally and available for streaming exclusively on Prime Video. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. Fans can access the game via the Prime Video app on all compatible devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and gaming consoles.

  Category	Details
  Date	Friday, April 17, 2026
  Tip-Off Time	8:00 PM ET
  TV/Streaming	Prime Video
  Venue	Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC

  Magic vs. Hornets Betting Odds & Predictions

  The Hornets enter as narrow home favorites, reflecting their home-court advantage and superior regular-season seeding. However, Orlando's recent form and the addition of Desmond Bane make this a "pick 'em" for many analysts.

  Betting Line	Hornets -1.5
  Over/Under	224.5
  Moneyline	CHA -125 | ORL +105

  Prediction: In a single-game elimination, defense and rebounding usually carry the day. While LaMelo Ball is a nightmare in transition, Orlando's half-court defense and the scoring of Paolo Banchero should pull them through in a nail-biter. Final Score: Magic 110, Hornets 107.

  Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

  The marquee matchup features Orlando's Paolo Banchero against Charlotte's Brandon Miller. This battle of versatile forwards will likely dictate the offensive flow for both teams.

  Magic Key Player Stats	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG%
  Paolo Banchero (F)	22.2	8.4	5.2	46.5%
  Desmond Bane (G)	20.2	4.1	4.2	47.2%

  Charlotte relies on the electric facilitate-first game of LaMelo Ball and the perimeter scoring of Brandon Miller to fuel their postseason run.

  Hornets Key Player Stats	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG%
  LaMelo Ball (G)	24.5	5.7	8.8	43.9%
  Brandon Miller (F)	21.4	4.9	2.8	46.2%

  Stream the NBA Play-In on Prime Video

  Prime Video is the new home for exclusive NBA tournament action. Catch the Play-In and select playoff matchups with the most flexible streaming options available. From live stats to X-Ray features, Prime Video ensures you never miss a highlight from the Magic or Hornets.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  What channel is the Magic vs. Hornets Play-In game on?
  The game is streaming exclusively on Prime Video.

  What is at stake tonight?
  This is the final game of the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament. The winner officially becomes the #8 seed and advances to the first round of the 2026 Playoffs, while the loser is eliminated.

  Who is on the injury report?
  The Hornets are monitoring Miles Bridges (knee), who is listed as probable. The Magic have no major new additions to their injury report heading into the finale.

  This article contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Restrictions may apply.

• LaMelo Ball Fined $35,000, Assessed Flagrant Foul 2 On Bam Adebayo Play

  LaMelo Ball has been fined $35,000 and assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 upon league office review for making unnecessary and reckless contact with Miami Heat center-forward Bam Adebayo that created a significant injury risk.

  The incident occurred with 11:13 remaining in the second quarter of the Charlotte Hornets' 127-126 overtime win over the Heat on April 14 in the NBA Play-In Tournament.

  Ball has been fined an additional $25,000 for using profane language during a live postgame television interview.

  Ball will not be suspended for Friday's Play-In game.

• NBA Investigating LaMelo Ball For Tripping Bam Adebayo In Play-In

  LaMelo Ball is under investigation by the NBA for tripping Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo during Tuesday's play-in game, which the Charlotte Hornets won 127-126 in overtime.

  The league has contacted both franchises and will interview Ball, sources said. The incident is under review for a possible flagrant foul 1 or flagrant foul 2 upgrade, though sources indicated a suspension is unlikely.

  Adebayo suffered a lower back injury on the play and did not return, finishing with just 11 minutes of action. Ball scored the winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining.

  The play occurred early in the second quarter. After Ball's shot was blocked, Adebayo grabbed the rebound near the sideline. Ball, falling to the floor, swiped at Adebayo's foot, sending him hard to the ground with no whistle. Officials could not review the play because it was not stopped immediately.

  "The play wasn't whistled in real time," referee Zach Zarba told a pool reporter. "Play continued with a fast break. And because play wasn't stopped immediately, and there was no whistle on the play, the window to review the play was closed."

  Erik Spoelstra called for Ball's ejection following the loss.

  "I don't think it's cute," Spoelstra said. "I don't think it's funny. I think it's a stupid play. It's a dangerous play. Obviously, our best player was out. I'm not making an excuse. The Hornets played great and they made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That's a shame. You should be penalized for that. I don't think that belongs in the game. Tripping guys, shenanigans."

  Ball issued an apology after the game.

  "I apologize on that one," Ball said. "I got hit in the head [on the play] and didn't really know where I was. But I'm going to check on him, see if he's OK and everything."

  Following the game, video surfaced of a January 2024 regular-season encounter in which Ball appeared to deliberately reach for Adebayo's leg while on the floor.

• LaMelo Ball Scores 30 Points In Hornets' Win Over Heat In Play-In Game

  The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Miami Heat 127-126 in the play-in game on Tuesday night, eliminating the Heat from the playoffs.

  LaMelo Ball had 30 points and 10 assists in the win, with Miles Bridges adding 28 points and nine rebounds.

  Ball is now the fourth player to have at least 30 points and 10 assists in a play-in game.

  Davion Mitchell finished with 28 points for the Heat. Andrew Wiggins added 27 points in the loss.

  Bam Adebayo left the game with a lower back injury in the second quarter after he was tripped by Ball.

  The Hornets are set to face the loser of the matchup between the Sixers and Magic on Friday.

  The Heat will miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

• How To Watch Heat Vs Hornets Play-In Game: Live Stream, TV Channel, Predictions

  The 2026 NBA postseason officially kicks off this Tuesday, April 14, with a win-or-go-home scenario as the Miami Heat host the Charlotte Hornets in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament at Kaseya Center. Miami (42-40) finished the season strong to secure home-court advantage for this matchup, while the Hornets (44-38) look to unleash their young stars on the national stage. The winner of tonight's clash moves one step closer to a first-round series against the conference's elite.

  This matchup features a classic battle of styles: Miami's "Culture" and defensive grit versus Charlotte's high-paced transition attack. The Heat will lean heavily on the postseason experience of Bam Adebayo and the scoring punch of Norman Powell. Meanwhile, Charlotte brings the electric playmaking of LaMelo Ball and the emerging stardom of Brandon Miller, who has been one of the league's most efficient scorers over the final month of the regular season. Catch every moment of this Play-In thriller live on Prime Video.

  Miami's defense, which ranks in the top five for opponent points in the paint, will be the focal point as they attempt to slow down Charlotte's fast-break opportunities. The Hornets, however, enter tonight with momentum, having won four of their last five games to clinch their Play-In spot. You can witness this high-stakes elimination battle streaming live on Prime.

  The interior battle between Adebayo and the Hornets' frontcourt will likely decide the tempo. If Miami can force Charlotte into a half-court game, the veteran savvy of the Heat should prevail. However, if Ball finds rhythm in the open floor, the Hornets could pull off a signature road upset. Prime Video is your home for the complete broadcast of the Eastern Conference Play-In.

  How to watch Heat vs. Hornets

  Tonight's Play-In matchup will be broadcast nationally and available for streaming on Prime Video. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. Fans can enjoy the broadcast in 4K resolution with multiple viewing angles and real-time stats via the Prime Video app.

  Category	Details
  Date	Tuesday, April 14, 2026
  Tip-Off Time	7:30 PM ET
  TV/Streaming	Prime Video
  Venue	Kaseya Center, Miami, FL

  Heat vs. Hornets Betting Odds & Predictions

  Miami enters the Play-In tournament as home favorites, backed by their postseason pedigree and defensive consistency. However, Charlotte's explosive offense makes them a live underdog in a single-game elimination format.

  Betting Line	Heat -4.5
  Over/Under	221.5
  Moneyline	MIA -190 | CHA +160

  Prediction: The "Heat Culture" usually shines brightest in elimination games. While LaMelo Ball will provide plenty of highlights, Miami's ability to limit turnovers and control the defensive glass should see them through. Final Score: Heat 108, Hornets 101.

  Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

  The marquee matchup features Miami's Bam Adebayo against Charlotte's Brandon Miller. This clash of defensive versatility versus perimeter scoring will be the deciding factor in tonight's tournament game.

  Heat Key Player Stats	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG%
  Bam Adebayo (C)	20.1	10.4	3.9	53.4%
  Norman Powell (G)	21.8	3.4	2.1	48.1%

  Charlotte relies on the playmaking brilliance of LaMelo Ball and the high scoring volume of Brandon Miller to fuel their postseason dreams.

  Hornets Key Player Stats	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG%
  Brandon Miller (F)	21.4	4.9	2.8	46.2%
  LaMelo Ball (G)	24.5	5.7	8.8	43.9%

  Stream the NBA Play-In on Prime Video

  Prime Video is the new home for exclusive NBA tournament action. Catch the Play-In and select playoff matchups with the most flexible streaming options available. From live stats to X-Ray features, Prime Video ensures you never miss a highlight from the Heat or Hornets.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  What channel is the Heat vs. Hornets Play-In game on?
  The game is streaming exclusively on Prime Video.

  What is at stake tonight?
  This is the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament. The winner advances to play for the final playoff seed, while the loser faces immediate elimination.

  Who is on the injury report?
  Miami is monitoring Tyler Herro (foot), while Charlotte is officially without Mark Williams (back).

  This article contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Restrictions may apply.

• Eastern Conference Postseason Field Set

  The Eastern Conference postseason picture is set. The 10 postseason teams are:

  1. Detroit Pistons
  2. Boston Celtics
  3. New York Knicks
  4. Cleveland Cavaliers
  5. Toronto Raptors
  6. Atlanta Hawks
  7. Philadelphia 76ers
  8. Orlando Magic
  9. Charlotte Hornets
  10. Miami Heat

  The 76ers will host the Magic in the 7-8 Play-In Tournament Game. The winner will advance to the Playoffs to play the Celtics as the #7 seed. The loser will play whoever wins when the Hornets host the Heat in the 9-10 Play-In Tournament Game. The winner of that game will advance to the Playoffs to play the Pistons as the #8 seed.

  The other first-round series will feature the Knicks hosting the Hawks and the Cavaliers hosting the Raptors.