While other teams pause their seasons amidst a troubling COVID-19 outbreak within the NBA, the Phoenix Suns roll on, set to face off against the Charlotte Hornets tonight.
With LaMelo Ball having just returned from his own COVID-19 hiatus, the Buzz Boys look locked and loaded for their date with the Suns. They did just march into Portland though, where all their watches switched to “Dame time” in a 116-125 loss. But regardless, the Hornets still resemble and talented team and sneaky threat to poach a win against Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
According to WynnBET, the Suns enter this game favored with -7.5 point spread. Their moneyline odds sit at -320, and the over/under is currently at 230.5 points.
With Devin Booker potentially coming back tonight, these numbers feel well justified. Phoenix just carries more firepower than Charlotte, best exemplified by their superior win percentage. The Hornets are also quite inconsistent, which directly opposes the rock-solid feeling which the Suns give their bettors.
The over/under mark looks relatively high, but that checks out as well. Currently averaging 115.6 points per game, nobody scores more than the Hornets. To go with that, Charlotte also gives up more points than anyone, averaging a league-high 116.6 opponent points per game. Phoenix’s own scoring prowess also plays into that, wielding the sixth most potent NBA offense which averages 111.0 points per game.
Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets Lineups
Assuming Booker indeed comes back, the Suns return to their opening night lineup with Landry Shamet retreating to the bench. During their stretch without Booker though, the Suns went 5-2, which remains an impressive accomplishment not to be overshadowed.
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Devin Booker
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Jae Crowder
- C: Deandre Ayton
Without any major injuries or COVID-19 scares, the Hornets rock with a familiar lineup as well. Ball headlines it, who dropped 27 points during his return against Portland two days ago.
- PG: LaMelo Ball
- SG: Terry Rozier
- SF: Miles Bridges
- PF: Gordon Hayward
- C: Mason Plumlee
Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction
Few teams give up more points inside the paint than the Hornets. Without a true center, they simply do not have the muscle to make life difficult for opposing bigs. So with that, watch for Deandre Ayton to put up a fat stat line tonight.
Fueled by this monster game from their star center, the Suns likely beat Hornets to earn their 14th straight home victory. With his size compared to Paul though, Ball will keep Charlotte hanging around in this one even with Ayton’s dominance around the rim. Due to that, the Suns still win, but fail to cover the spread.
Final: Phoenix Suns 128, Charlotte Hornets 121
Phoenix Suns Up Next
Assuming they continue to dodge the COVID-19 bug currently sweeping across the league, the Suns next play the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. Phoenix beat the LA into the ground during their earlier game this year, with Mikal Bridges putting together a defensive masterpiece against LeBron James.
The Lakers appear to be playing much better now than they were during this season’s early stages, but with Anthony Davis unable to play due to an MCL injury, the Suns likely beat them again all the same.