Charlotte Hornets (7-20) vs. Phoenix Suns (14-15)
Charlotte Hornets vs. Phoenix Suns 12/29/23 – In the fast-paced world of the NBA, the upcoming clash between the Charlotte Hornets and the Phoenix Suns on Friday, is generating buzz, especially in the realm of handicapper predictions today. This encounter, set at the Footprint Center at 9:00 PM ET, showcases two teams with contrasting fortunes: the Hornets struggling at 7-20 and the Suns hovering around .500 with a 14-15 record. This matchup, with its diverse dynamics, presents intriguing angles for analysis and betting.
The Hornets have struggled mightily this season, currently owning the worst record in the Eastern Conference. They have lost five straight games coming into this matchup. Their defense has been horrendous, giving up over 117 points per game over their last 10 contests. For Charlotte to have any chance, they’ll need All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball to carry the scoring load.
Meanwhile, the Suns have been underwhelming after making the playoffs last season. They’ve been inconsistent from game-to-game and are desperate to string some wins together. Phoenix will be counting on superstar Kevin Durant to ignite the offense. When KD is rolling, this Suns team is dangerous. They’ll look to control the pace and turn this into an uptempo shootout on their home floor.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Phoenix Suns 12/29/23 Game Info
| When: | Friday, December 29, 2023 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Footprint Center |
| TV: | AZFamily |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
LaMelo Ball (PG) vs. Kevin Durant (PF)
Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is one of the most dynamic young players in the NBA today. In his third season, he’s averaging nearly 25 points and 8 assists per game. His flashy ball-handling and elite court vision make him a triple-double threat every night. However, Ball is turnover-prone at times and his shooting percentages could use some improvement. He’ll need to limit mistakes and choose his spots wisely against the Suns’ stout defense.
Suns forward Kevin Durant remains one of the most unstoppable scorers in the league at age 34. He’s averaging over 30 points per game in his first season in Phoenix. His versatility, length and shooting touch give him an edge over virtually every defender. Durant is lethal from all three levels and thrives under pressure in late-game situations. The Hornets lack the personnel to slow him down so limiting his touches is key.
This marquee matchup pits Ball’s speed and playmaking against Durant’s scoring prowess. Whichever star can maximize their advantages and exploit their opponent’s weaknesses could ultimately decide this contest. Expect fireworks when these All-Stars square off.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The current betting odds and point spreads for this game are yet to be determined, but based on the team’s performances and trends, insightful predictions can be made. The Suns, with their slightly better record and home-court advantage, might emerge as favorites in the odds.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Trends
The Hornets have been terrible against the spread lately, failing to cover in seven of their last eight overall. They have also struggled versus Western Conference opponents, going 3-7 ATS in their last 10 matchups. Charlotte has been woeful on the road as well, covering just four spreads in 12 away contests this year. Backing the Hornets right now is generally ill-advised given these trends.
Phoenix Suns Betting Trends
Conversely, the Suns have dominated this head-to-head series from a betting perspective. They have covered four straight meetings with the Hornets while winning seven of the previous eight outright. Phoenix is also efficient at covering numbers at home this season, going 6-7 ATS in 13 games at the Footprint Center. Riding the Suns seems prudent based on these trends.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Phoenix Suns 12/29/23 Betting Picks
In conclusion, this game presents a challenging but exciting betting landscape. The Suns, with their home-court advantage and offensive firepower, seem poised to take the upper hand. However, the Hornets’ unpredictable nature could spring surprises.
Considering the trends and team dynamics, the better pick seems to be the Suns, especially with their tendency to score high in home games. Prop bets on key players like Durant for scoring or Ball for assists could offer value. The over/under will be a critical aspect to watch, given both teams’ scoring capabilities.
Free NBA insights suggest a high-scoring affair, tilted in favor of the Suns. A predicted score might lean towards a Suns victory, with a margin reflecting their offensive strength and the Hornets’ defensive struggles.
Free Pick and Prediction: Phoenix Suns 118, Charlotte Hornets 108