Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 7, 2025

The Phoenix Suns take on the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday, marking the first of their two matchups this season.

Phoenix's top-heavy roster, headlined by superstars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, has underperformed, sitting 12th in the Western Conference (16-18).

However, Suns coach Mike Budenholzer made an effort to balance out his starting five during Monday's 109-99 road win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He shifted star guard Bradley Beal and center Jusuf Nurkic to the bench in favor of defensive-minded role players Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee.

The move seemingly paid off, as Beal tallied a team-best 25 points off the pine to help Phoenix snap its four-game losing streak.

Conversely, Charlotte (7-27) has been trending downward for weeks, enduring an NBA-worst 10-game losing skid. The lowly franchise has also gone just 1-18 since Nov. 23.

The Hornets received reinforcements on Sunday, as star point guard LaMelo Ball and sophomore standout wing Brandon Miller returned from left ankle injuries. Nevertheless, they fell 115-105 on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers, extending their victory drought.

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Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets odds, preview and prediction

The Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets' showdown is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The game will be broadcast on AZFamily and FDSSE. It can also be streamed on NBA League Pass and Fubo.

Moneyline: Suns (-190) vs Hornets (+160)

Spread: Suns -4.5 (-110) vs Hornets +4.5 (-110)

Total (Over/Under): o222.0 (-110) vs u222.0 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change closer to tipoff, as the odds listed were based on available information at the time of writing.

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Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets preview

Phoenix and Charlotte are each projected to be relatively close to full strength on Tuesday, as neither team has any starters listed on their injury reports. However, both squads still face question marks.

While the Suns rank 10th in offensive rating (113.2), they are positioned just 23rd in defensive rating (115.1). Dunn and Plumlee sticking in the starting unit will likely continue boosting their lackluster defense. However, the team may need to trade for a more proven defensive-oriented big man to maximize Durant and Booker's primes.

Despite playing on the second night of a back-to-back, Phoenix's new lineup should have a golden opportunity to build off Monday's success. The Hornets rank second last in the NBA in offensive rating (106.8), relying heavily on Ball's playmaking and shot creation. They have little scoring depth outside of him, Miller and forward Miles Bridges.

Additionally, Charlotte is a subpar defensive team, sitting 18th in defensive rating (113.5). However, it is projected to have an advantage in the paint. Center Mark Williams has stepped up his play lately, serving as a nightly double-double threat and rim protector.

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Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets projected starting lineups

If Phoenix maintains Monday's lineup change, its starters should be as follows:

PG: Tyus Jones SG: Devin Booker SF: Ryan Dunn PF: Kevin Durant C: Mason Plumlee

Meanwhile, with Ball and Miller active, Charlotte should deploy the following starting unit:

PG: LaMelo Ball SG: Brandon Miller SF: Josh Green PF: Miles Bridges C: Mark Williams

Editor's note: These are projected starting lineups and could change as players' availabilities are updated closer to game time.

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Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets betting tips

Durant's points prop is 24.5. The two-time NBA champion has scored 25-plus points in five of his last six outings, so he should hit the over against Charlotte's below-average defense.

Meanwhile, Ball's points prop is 25.5, well below his season average (29.8 points per game). Given his high shot volume, he appears likely to hit the over against a Phoenix squad searching for its defensive identity.

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Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets prediction

If Phoenix is serious about making a playoff push, it should take care of business against an inferior Charlotte team while covering the spread (-4.5).

However, the squads may not surpass their over/under point total (222.0). The Hornets and their opponents have failed to exceed that mark in three of their last four games. Meanwhile, the Suns held Philly to just 99 points on Monday.

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