The Charlotte Hornets have surged to become an exciting team, finishing 18-9 post-All-Star break and securing a spot in the NBA play-in tournament as the No. 9 seed. They narrowly defeated the Miami Heat 127-126, led by LaMelo Ball’s 30 points, although his ankle grab on Bam Adebayo is under review. The Hornets will face the loser of the 76ers-Magic game, with a chance to advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16. A bettor stands to win $5 million if Charlotte, a long-shot at 400-1 odds, wins the title, despite facing a tough matchup against the top-seeded Pistons.
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NBA Playoffs 2026: Hornets Defeat Heat, Bettor Eyes $5 Million Prize
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