The Phoenix Suns take on the Charlotte Hornets, which is expected to be a clash in styles. Phoenix led by floor general Chris Paul plays a methodical, slow-paced brand of basketball, while the Hornets are above-average in terms of pace and are one of the more fun and exciting teams, although they have become less of that with the season-ending injury of rookie LaMelo Ball. Lets continue our NBA odds series and make a Suns-Hornets prediction and pick.
Phoenix has a 30-14 record and is just behind the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference. They recently escaped with a win over the lowly Toronto Raptors, 104-100.
Charlotte has a 23-21 record, which is good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The team just edged out the Miami Heat, 110-105.
Below is how the sportsbooks have the opening odds for the Suns-Hornets matchup.
NBA Odds: Suns-Hornets Odds
Phoenix Suns -5 (-110)
Charlotte Hornets +5 (-110)
Over 221 Points (-110)
Under 221 Points (-110)
Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
Phoenix has been one of the biggest surprises this season. When it was announced that Paul would join the team, there was no doubt the Suns would improve, but few could have predicted they would be this good. The Suns are the latest team to become better upon the arrival of CP3.
The last time these teams faced each other, Charlotte won 124-121. In that game, Phoenix had a balanced attack. Paul facilitated the offense, which helped lead five other players to notch double-digit points. Devin Booker erupted for 33 points in just 31 minutes and while he may not be able to replicate that performance this time, he is still a lock for a big scoring night.
One storyline for the Suns this season has been the lower production of their first overall draft pick Deandre Ayton. He has looked passive at times and is not asserting his will inside the paint, where his 6'11, 250-pound frame would prove too much for most NBA centers.
Nevertheless, he is shooting more efficiently, and more importantly, the team is winning games. He should have an easy time against the Charlotte frontcourt.
Jae Crowder has been an underrated asset for Phoenix as he brings toughness, outside shooting, and veteran savvy.
The Suns are a prime example of a team, which is more than the sum of its parts.
Why The Hornets Could Cover The Spread
The Ball injury is a major blow to Charlotte's postseason success. Until the emergence of Anthony Edwards, Ball was running away with the Rookie of the Year Award. In the team's win over the Suns, Ball was instrumental as he had 20 points, eight assists, and four boards. With him gone, the Hornets have turned to Devonte' Graham and he has performed admirably.
The Hornets have won their last three games without Ball, granted one of those was against the hapless Houston Rockets.
Terry Rozier is proving to be an incendiary scorer capable of stuffing the stat sheet. He has been the team's closer as he is capable of making shots all over the court.
Backup guard Malik Monk has stepped up his game and delivers an impressive scoring display now and then. One such instance was in the Suns game, where he hung 29 points on them.
Final Suns-Hornets Prediction & Pick
Phoenix is one of the most consistent teams in the league and in what will be a closely contested match the Ball injury may prove to be too much to overcome against a team of the Suns' caliber. Charlotte does not have enough defensive stoppers that can stymie the well-oiled offense of Phoenix.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR SUNS-HORNETS: PHO 120, CHA 113 (PHO -5)
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