Phoenix Suns Game Tonight vs Charlotte Hornets Odds, Lineup, Prediction
The Phoenix Suns begin 2022 with an inter-conference matchup vs the Charlotte Hornets. Hopefully this game ends up as more of a re-make rather than an actual sequel, as the Suns bullied Charlotte last time out, winning by a 137-106 score.
During that bloodbath, Phoenix hit a season-best 20 3-pointers, squashing the Hornets with their offensive chemistry and aggressiveness. But the Suns march into Charlotte looking far different this time around after losing head coach Monty Williams to protocols, as well as Deandre Ayton, Jae Crowder, and JaVale McGee. Those subtractions largely contributed to Phoenix 1-3 record over their last four games.
Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
According to WynnBET, the Suns are favored at a -2.5 point spread. Their moneyline odds are at -140, and the over/under for the game currently sits at 231.5 points.
Two blowouts fresh in everyone’s mind makes this game incredibly difficult to predict—hence why the spread is so small. On one hand, the Suns smashed out the Hornets last time out. But on the other hand, the Boston Celtics also manhandled them two days ago.
At their core though, the Suns still have Devin Booker and Chris Paul—arguably the two most talented players on either team. That gives Phoenix the slight nod even amidst their recent blunders.
Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets Lineups
Phoenix needs to put together another lineup with glue sticks and tape this afternoon, still missing those players in protocols. They did add veteran and ex-Hornet Bismack Biyombo this week as a replacement player. He might get some run, but expect Jalen Smith to remain the featured big and make his third career start.
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Devin Booker
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Cameron Johnson
- C: Jalen Smith
The Hornets dealt with their own COVID-19 related issues this past week, as Most Improved Player of the Year frontrunner Miles Bridges went into protocols on Dec. 26th. This morning though, the team re-activated him. Assuming he suits up, Charlotte will run with their usual starting five.
- PG: LaMelo Ball
- SG: Terry Rozier
- SF: Miles Bridges
- PF: Gordon Hayward
- C: Mason Plumlee
Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction
With the Hornets firing on all cylinders having won their last three games and with Bridges possibly coming back, they resemble a solid plus money bet to take this Sunday afternoon.
Their league-worst defense still makes them somewhat vulnerable, but without Ayton, the Suns have looked like a shell of themselves. That version of Phoenix cannot hang with LaMelo Ball and company, so Charlotte pulls off the upset at home and wins this one in a shootout.
Final: Phoenix Suns 119, Charlotte Hornets 128
Phoenix Suns Next Up
The Suns keep their road trip going after this game, heading out to the bayou for a date with the New Orleans Pelicans. The last time these two teams played, Phoenix took down the Pels to reel in the second win of their 18-game stretch. Mikal Bridges put up a season-high 22 points as well.
Next. Mixed Results From Suns Replacement Starters. dark
New Orleans remains one of the league’s more disappointing teams this year, sporting a 13-23 record with Zion Williamson still yet to play. Even if Phoenix faces them without their guys back from protocols, they likely give these guys some trouble, especially with the game being the latter portion of a back-to-back sequence for the Pelicans.