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The Phoenix Suns are set to take on the Charlotte Hornets in an interconference matchup. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our NBA odds series, which includes our Suns-Hornets prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
The Phoenix Suns pay a visit to Spectrum Center to face the Charlotte Hornets. After starting out the season on fire, the Suns find themselves in a bit of a rut over their past few outings. Phoenix has lost three of its last four games, including a brutal 123-108 road loss to the Boston Celtics on New Year's Eve. Meanwhile, the Hornets have recovered from a bit of a rough stretch, where they lost nine of 12 games. They are currently in a three-game winning streak following a 116-108 road win over the Indiana Pacers last Wednesday.
Here is how FanDuel has set the Suns-Hornets odds for this Sunday night NBA matchup.
NBA odds: Suns-Hornets Odds
Suns: -2.5 (-110)
Hornets: +2.5 (-110)
Over: 232 (-110)
Under: 232 (-110)
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Why the Suns Could Cover the Spread
It's taken a while, but COVID has finally caught up with the Phoenix Suns. When the league started to get ravaged by the virus a couple of weeks ago, Phoenix has went practically unscathed. Entering Sunday against the Hornets, the Suns have Deandre Ayton and JaVale McGee out, along with Jae Crowder and Abdel Nader due to health and safety protocols. To make matters worse, even their third-string center Frank Kaminsky is on the sidelines due to a stress reaction in his right knee. With pretty much their entire center rotation out, this has forced coach Monty Williams' hand to slot in seldom-used sophomore big man Jalen Smith into the starting lineup.
The Suns are fortunate that their outbreak hasn't affected their wing and guard depth. But obviously, being thin up front can take its toll, especially with their inside defense. Nonetheless, Phoenix still has its two main guns in Chris Paul and Devin Booker available. The Suns' All-Star guard tandem should be more than enough to hold down the fort for them until their big men return from protocols.
The Suns are one of the better road teams in the league, with an 11-4 slate. Despite their mini-slump, Phoenix still holds the second-best record in the NBA, just a game behind the league-leading Golden State Warriors.
Why the Hornets Could Cover the Spread
In terms of personnel, the Charlotte Hornets have the edge in this matchup. Several Hornets, including LaMelo Ball, went into the health and safety protocols throughout December. But alas, it seems like Charlotte is finally getting healthy and whole once again. Miles Bridges and PJ Washington cleared protocols recently. They are questionable for Sunday's bout versus Phoenix due to reconditioning, but are more than likely to make their return.
Furthermore, homecourt advantage should also play a factor. The last time these two teams met in Phoenix, the Suns blew out the Hornets to the tune of a 137-106 beatdown. Charlotte is much better at home (9-4) than they are on the road (10-13). They are also riding the momentum of a three-game winning streak heading into Sunday.
Finals Suns-Hornets Prediction and Pick
I like the Hornets' chances to win this one and cover the spread. With the more healthy squad, homecourt advantage, and more momentum coming in, they could come away as victors over a slightly reeling Suns team.
Final Suns-Hornets Pick: Hornets: -2.5 (-110)
