VSiN By The Books | April 17, 2026 | Hour 1
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This Friday edition of VSiN By The Books dives into the final two NBA play-in games—Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic and Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns—setting the stage for the official NBA playoffs beginning tomorrow. Hosts Jensen Lewis and Mark Belousis analyze betting lines, public sentiment, and team dynamics, with strong confidence in Charlotte’s momentum and a cautious take on the Warriors’ road challenge against Phoenix. They also preview the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs, discussing wide-open Eastern Conference matchups and the dominant Colorado Avalanche as favorites in the West. Both hosts share bold playoff futures picks, with Mark favoring the Pistons over the Celtics and the Avalanche over the Hurricanes, while Jensen counters with the Lightning and Avalanche in the Stanley Cup final. The episode features insights from Thomas Gable, Borgata’s race and sports director, who highlights key liabilities in the futures market, including the Knicks’ series with the Hawks and the Lakers’ uncertain status with Luka Doncic’s return in question. The show blends sharp betting analysis, narrative-driven insights, and a high-energy preview of the postseason’s most anticipated matchups.
Charlotte Hornets are strong favorites in the play-in game despite heavy public betting, with a 3.5-point spread and 76% of bets on them.
Phoenix Suns have surged to a 3.5-point favorite despite 73% of bets on Golden State, suggesting sharp money backing Phoenix.
Mark Belousis predicts the Detroit Pistons will upset the Celtics and win the Eastern Conference, while Jensen favors the Boston Celtics in a chalky but competitive series.
For the NHL, Mark believes the Colorado Avalanche will win the Stanley Cup as the first President's Trophy winner since 2013, while Jensen picks the Tampa Bay Lightning to upset Carolina.
The Lakers are a sleeper pick in the NBA playoffs due to Luka Doncic’s potential return, creating high uncertainty and value in the series against the Rockets.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
NBA Play-In Preview: Hornets vs. Magic & Warriors vs. Suns
“I don't like the vibe around Orlando right now. I really don't, even though with them being home, I don't like where their game is right now.”
NBA Playoff Futures: Eastern & Western Conference Predictions
“I think it's a three horse race. I think you make an argument for Denver. You can make an argument for San Antonio. You can make an argument obviously clearly for the top seed and the number one seed in the Oklahoma City Thunder.”
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Outlook: Wide Open East, Dominant West
“I think for the first time since 2013, we're going to get a president's trophy winner that goes out there and wins the Stanley Cup.”
Betting Market Insights from Thomas Gable of the Borgata
Thomas Gable, Borgata’s race and sports director, joins to discuss key liabilities in the futures market, including the Knicks’ series with the Hawks and the Lakers’ uncertain status with Luka Doncic’s return. He also highlights the popularity of the Penguins-Flyers rivalry.
Player Performance & Narrative Trends: Trout, Miller, and Doncic
The hosts spotlight standout performances from Mike Trout’s five-homer series and Mason Miller’s Cy Young-caliber season, while also discussing the narrative around Luka Doncic’s potential return and its impact on the Lakers’ playoff odds.
“I think for the first time since 2013, we're going to get a president's trophy winner that goes out there and wins the Stanley Cup.”
“I don't like the vibe around Orlando right now. I really don't, even though with them being home, I don't like where their game is right now.”
“The public is betting Charlotte, but the sharp money is backing Phoenix. That’s a red flag.”
Hosts
Guest
Charlotte Hornets
other
Mark Belousis
person
Golden State Warriors
other
Jensen Lewis
person
Phoenix Suns
other
Orlando Magic
other
Thomas Gable
person
Boston Celtics
other
Colorado Avalanche
other
Detroit Pistons
other
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