Favoured Hoplite + Mutants Prey

[Milos Vela]

Just a quick question because I can't find an answer on the net and peoe I've asked about say two different things...
Can I target {Favored Hoplite} with  {Mutant's Prey} even if he doesn't have a counter on since his ability makes him gain one once targeted by the spell?

[Paraluke]

Just a quick question because I can't find an answer on the net and peoe I've asked about say two different things...
Can I target {Favored Hoplite} with  {Mutant's Prey} even if he doesn't have a counter on since his ability makes him gain one once targeted by the spell?

You can't, since you must target a creature with a +1/+1 counter. If hoplite does not have a counter on him, then you cannot target him.

[Milos Vela]

Someone says the ability resolves first making him a valid target on the check.

[Spikepit]

You can't target the counterless hoplite to begin with, before it's got anything to resolve.

[Kaleo42]

Someone says the ability resolves first making him a valid target on the check.

It true that it will resolve first but it cant resolve without a cause. This game is all about cause and effect.

The cause for hopilite us casting a spell that targets him his effect is adding a counter.

The cause for your spell is paying a cost and choosing a legal target and the effect is (insert whatever it does here).

[AkiraDeLaine]

Or the other way:
You can target him, but your spell will fumble on resolution hence not giving him the counter, right?

[Giggle the Draco Genius]

Having a valid target is part of casting a spell, so you will not even be able to cast it

[Pleeb]

114.1.: Some spells and abilities require their controller to choose one or more targets for them. The targets are object(s), player(s), and/or zone(s) the spell or ability will affect. These targets are declared as part of the process of putting the spell or ability on the stack. The targets can't be changed except by another spell or ability that explicitly says it can do so.

Because the spell targets a creature with a 1/1 counter on it, you can't cast it on the hoplite unless he already has a counter on him.