The Charlotte Hornets invade the Mortgage Matchup Center to do battle with the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night. Here’s a Suns vs. Hornets prediction. This article will include a Suns vs. Hornets pick.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
The Charlotte Hornets have been in great form, as they were riding a six-game win streak before they got stopped in their tracks by the Heat in a 128-120 home defeat on Friday. Kon Knueppel led the team with 27 points on nine of 14 shooting, Brandon Miller added 22 points with 13 rebounds and five assists, and LaMelo Ball chipped in with 21 points and five assists. As a team, the Hornets shot 43 percent from the field and 19 of 52 from the 3-point line as they went back and forth with the Heat in a free-flowing contest, but the fourth quarter was where the game was decided, as the Hornets could only manage just 19 points to allow the Heat to run away with it at the end.
Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns haven’t been at their best lately, as they’ve lost seven of their last 12 games overall, but they will be aiming for their fourth win in five games after sneaking past the Pelicans in a 118-116 win on Friday. Devin Booker led the team with 32 points on 10 of 21 shooting, Jalen Green added 25 points, and Collin Gillespie and Grayson Allen each scored 12 points. As a team, the Suns shot 44 percent from the field and 20 of 58 from the 3-point line as they poured in 34 points in the third quarter to turn a six-point halftime lead into a 14-point lead, which proved to be just enough to hold off a late rally from the Pelicans.
Why the Phoenix Suns will win
- The Hornets have lost 10 of their last 11 games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Suns have won eight of their last nine games against the Hornets.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight night games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Suns have covered the spread in four of their last five games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
Why the Charlotte Hornets will win
- The Hornets have won each of their last 10 road games.
- The Suns have lost each of their last 10 games as home underdogs against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Hornets have covered the spread in each of their last 10 road games following a loss.
- The Suns have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games as home underdogs against Southeast Division opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Hornets’ last seven games as favorites against the Suns have gone OVER the total points line.
- Nine of the Suns’ last 10 home games against the Hornets have gone OVER the total points line.
Phoenix Suns Player Facts
- Grayson Allen ranks 6th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per 36 minutes (4.1) this season.
- Collin Gillespie ranks 9th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per 36 minutes (3.9) this season.
Charlotte Hornets Player Facts
- Kon Knueppel ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per game (3.5) this season.
- LaMelo Ball ranks 4th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per game (3.5) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Suns rank 1st in the league for opponent three-point percentage this season (34.1%).
- The Suns have suffered the largest comeback loss when leading through Q3 this season—led by 18 points vs. the Hawks on November 16.
- The Hornets rank 1st in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (39.5).
- The Hornets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (20.8).
Suns vs Hornets Prediction
The Hornets have ruled out Tidjane Salaun again, while the Suns have ruled out Mark Williams, Jordan Goodwin, and Dillon Brooks. The Hornets were one of the hottest teams in the league before they ran into the Heat in their last outing, but they will like their chances against the Suns, who haven’t been anywhere near their best lately. The line is short for this one, so while I still give the Suns a chance at home, I prefer a play on the more consistent Hornets to bounce back here.