Charlotte Hornets (7-27) vs Phoenix Suns (16-18)
Game Info: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 7:00 pm (Spectrum Center)
Betting Odds: Charlotte Hornets +3.5 -- Over/Under: 222.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have been in poor form lately as they've lost seven of their last nine games overall. The Suns will be eager to build some momentum after arresting a four-game skid with a 109-99 road win over the 76ers last night. Bradley Beal led the team in scoring with 25 points and five assists on 10 of 15 shooting off the bench, Kevin Durant tallied 23 points with six rebounds and five assists while Ryan Dunn chipped in with 15 points. As a team, the Suns shot 50 percent from the field and 14 of 30 from the 3-point line as they got off to a slow start and scored just 16 points in the first quarter to trail for most of the game. The Suns exploded for 67 points in the second half to earn the much-needed road win. Devin Booker had a rough game as he shot just three of 16 from the field to finish with just 10 points, but he did contribute with 10 assists. The Suns will meet the Hawks after this game.
Charlotte Hornets
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets have been in a major slump as they've lost 18 of their last 19 games overall. The Hornets will be hoping to put an end to an ugly 10-game slide after getting beaten by the Cavaliers in a 115-105 road defeat on Sunday. Brandon Miller drained six 3-pointers to finish with 24 points, LaMelo Ball tallied 24 points with four assists while Nick Smith Jr chipped in with 18 points in just 19 minutes off the bench. As a team, the Hornets shot just 41 percent from the field and 15 of 42 from the 3-point line as they struggled to keep pace with the Cavaliers from the start. The Hornets fell behind by as many as 24 points before they rallied in the fourth quarter to keep the final scores respectable. The Hornets will face the Lakers following this one.
Why the Charlotte Hornets will win
- The Suns have lost each of their last six games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Hornets have won four of their last five home games against Suns teams that held a losing record.
- The Suns have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games following a road win.
- The Hornets have covered the spread in four of their last five games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Why the Phoenix Suns will win
- The Hornets have lost each of their last 10 games at Spectrum Center.
- The favorites have won each of the Suns' last 10 games at Spectrum Center.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games at Spectrum Center against Pacific Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Suns have covered the spread in each of their last four night games against the Hornets at Spectrum Center.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Hornets' last six games as underdogs has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Nine of the Suns' last 10 games have gone UNDER the total points line.
Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction
The Suns are still a little shorthanded with Royce O'Neale still ruled out, while the Hornets are coming into this one with a full squad once again. The Suns will be so disappointed with their recent play as they haven't been able to build any momentum despite a relatively healthy roster. Sure, Beal is still coming off an injury, but the Suns aren't getting enough from Booker who shot just three of 16 in his last game. However, the Suns are now up against an ice-cold Hornets team who have won just one of their last 19 games, so I think the Suns are decent value at the short line in this spot.
Peter’s Pick Phoenix -3.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
