On January 7, 2025, the Phoenix Suns will clash with the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center, as both teams look to shift their fortunes. With the Suns holding a record of 16-18 and the Hornets struggling at 7-27, this matchup tells the story of two squads with vastly different trajectories.
The Suns, favored by 4.5 points for this game, recently halted their four-game losing streak with a 109-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Leading the way, Bradley Beal scored 25 points, contributing significantly to the team's effort. Kevin Durant also performed admirably, adding 23 points along with six rebounds and five assists. This win has offered the Suns some much-needed confidence as they take to the road.
Conversely, the Hornets find themselves reeling from ten consecutive losses, the most recent being a 115-105 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers before the game against the Suns. LaMelo Ball showed flashes of brilliance with 24 points against Cleveland, underscoring the need for more consistent contributions from him and his teammates.
Prior matchups have historically favored the Suns, who have won nine out of their last ten games against the Hornets, including their last encounter on March 15, 2024, where Phoenix secured victory at 107-96. These statistics play heavily on the morale of both teams as they prepare for this contest, with the Suns aiming to assert their dominance once more.
With the game's over/under set for 222.5 points, many analysts predict it will be closely contested. DraftKings Sportsbook reflects this sentiment, predicting the Suns might edge out the Hornets with scores forecasted at 112 for Phoenix and 110 for Charlotte.
The Suns have faced difficulties on the road this season, holding a 6-10 record, compounded by recent struggles where they have lost eight of their last ten away games. This adds another layer of complexity for them as they step onto the court at Spectrum Center.
For the Hornets, the consistent issues on the scoring front are glaring. They rank 29th in the league with 105.8 points per game, coupled with struggling field goal efficiency at 42.6%. Conversely, the Suns are more balanced, posting 112.1 points per game with an effective field goal percentage of 46.8%. This performance gap raises questions about the Hornets' strategy and execution, especially under the pressure of their long losing streak.
Tonight’s game pits the strengths of the Suns' offensive prowess against the Hornets, who are desperately searching for answers as they continue to try and weave together wins. The Suns' average of 14.2 three-pointers made per game matches closely with the Hornets’ average of 14.3, setting the stage for what could be a perimeter showdown.
Recent form also exhibits the Suns' ability to turn things around, albeit slowly. With head coach Frank Vogel emphasizing sharper plays and more effort, the team appears to have rectified some of the issues seen during their previous rough patch. The Suns’ recent victory could serve as the turning point they needed.
For viewers wanting to catch the action, the game will be accessible via various streaming services like FuboTV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV, allowing fans to witness this exciting encounter without missing out.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, offering fans and analysts alike the chance to see if the Suns regain their form against the beleaguered Hornets or if Charlotte can rise to the occasion and snap their disheartening streak.
With all these dynamics at play, the Suns vs. Hornets matchup appears to be not just another game on the schedule but potentially pivotal for both teams as the NBA season presses on.