Hornets vs Suns NBA Prediction, Pick and Preview 03/01/23

Odds

2022-2023 season stats

Preview

On March 1, 2023, the Phoenix Suns will face off against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. The Suns are currently fourth in the Western Conference with a record of 33-29, while the Hornets are 14th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 20-43. The Suns are favored to win the game by 10 points, according to the line set by the sportsbooks. The game is expected to be an interesting match-up between two teams with different levels of performance, and there are several key factors that will affect the outcome of the game. 

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns have won 4 out of their last 5 games and hold a 31-27 record overall, ranking 2nd in the Pacific Division. They have been dominant against their Pacific Division opponents, boasting an 8-0 record. The team is currently ranked third in the Western Conference, averaging 27.1 assists per game, with Deandre Ayton leading the team with 2.1 assists per game. 

The Phoenix Suns beat the Indiana Pacers 117-104 on Friday, with Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul leading the team in scoring. Despite trading for Kevin Durant the day before, who is expected to join the team after the All-Star break, the Suns dominated the Pacers and outrebounded them by 64-45. Booker expressed excitement about the addition of Durant to the team, saying he will "fit right in." Durant was not present for the game, having not played since January due to a knee injury.

Deandre Ayton has been one of the standout players for the Phoenix Suns this season. The 6'11" center has been a force on the offensive end, averaging 18.6 points per game on an impressive 58.9% shooting from the field. Ayton's combination of size, strength, and skill in the post has made him a tough matchup for any defender. He's also been a dominant force on the glass, averaging 11.5 rebounds per game.

But Ayton is not the only player contributing to the Suns' success. Phoenix has also shown their prowess from beyond the arc, shooting 37.9% from deep. This is the fifth-highest three-point shooting percentage in the league, and it's largely due to the team's deep roster of sharpshooters. Players like Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Johnson have all been reliable from three-point range, and their ability to stretch the floor has opened up opportunities for Ayton and other Suns players to operate in the post.

The Suns have also been solid from the free-throw line, shooting 79.3% from the stripe. This is the 11th-highest free-throw shooting percentage in the league, and it's a testament to the team's discipline and focus. When the game is on the line, the Suns have been able to convert from the charity stripe and seal victories.

On the defensive end, the Suns have been equally impressive. They're allowing 111.3 points per game, which is the 15th most in the league. However, they're also holding their opponents to a relatively low shooting percentage of 46.7% from the field. According to dunksandthrees.com, the Suns have the seventh-lowest adjusted defensive rating in the NBA. This is largely due to their ability to contest shots near the rim and their solid perimeter defense. They've only allowed their opponents to shoot 36% from deep, which is the 15th-lowest three-point shooting percentage allowed in the league.

The Suns have also been dominant on the boards, grabbing 44.1 rebounds per game. This is the 11th most in the league, and it's a testament to the team's physicality and toughness. With Ayton anchoring the frontcourt and players like Bridges and Johnson crashing the boards from the wing, the Suns have been able to control the glass and limit their opponents' second-chance opportunities.

In their last 10 games, the Suns are 7-3, averaging 112.7 points, 47.8 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 8.5 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.8 points per game.

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets are having a tough season, and they are currently 14th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 20-43. They have a young team with some promising talent, but they are still developing and learning how to win games. Terry Rozier is the leading scorer for the Hornets, averaging 21.4 points per game. He is a talented scorer who can create his own shot and knock down three-pointers. Miles Bridges is another key player for the Hornets, and he is having a breakout season. He is averaging 18.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, and he is a versatile scorer who can attack the basket and shoot from outside. LaMelo Ball is a talented rookie who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but he is currently injured and will not play in the game against the Suns.

The Hornets are a decent offensive team, averaging 111.6 points per game, which is the 15th best mark in the league. They have some good shooters who can knock down threes, but they are not a great team at getting to the free-throw line or finishing at the rim. The Hornets are also a poor defensive team, allowing 114.2 points per game, which is the 26th best mark in the league. They struggle to defend the perimeter and the paint, and they are one of the worst teams in the league in terms of opponent field goal percentage. The Hornets will need to improve their defense if they want to compete with the Suns, who have a much better overall record and more talented roster.

The Hornets have shown some promise this season, winning five of their last seven games. They have a tough challenge ahead, however, with the Suns coming to town. The Hornets will need to improve their defense and get solid contributions from their supporting cast if they hope to compete with the Suns.

BETTING TRENDS

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 9 games.

Phoenix are 12-5 SU in their last 17 games.

Phoenix are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games against Charlotte.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games on the road.

The total has gone OVER in 8 of Phoenix's last 12 games when playing on the road against Charlotte.

Charlotte are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games.

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games.

Charlotte are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games.

The total has gone OVER in 12 of Charlotte's last 16 games against Phoenix.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games at home.

The total has gone OVER in 8 of Charlotte's last 12 games when playing at home against Phoenix.

Prediction

The Suns have a much better record than the Hornets and a more talented roster with experienced veterans and young rising stars. They are a well-rounded team that can score and defend, while the Hornets are still developing and struggling on both ends of the court.

One key factor that will give the Suns an advantage is the absence of LaMelo Ball for the Hornets. Ball is one of the most talented young players in the league, and he has shown that he can make a big impact on the court. However, he is currently injured and will not play in the game against the Suns. This will be a big blow for the Hornets, who will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by Ball.

Another factor that will give the Suns an advantage is their recent form. The Suns have won three of their last five games, including a solid victory against the Sacramento Kings, who are currently first in the Pacific Division. The Hornets have also won three of their last five games, but they have faced weaker opponents and have not been as consistent as the Suns.

Finally, the addition of Kevin Durant to the Suns' roster will be a major boost for the team. Durant is one of the best players in the league, and he is a skilled scorer who can create his own shot and knock down threes. He will add another dimension to the Suns' offense and make it even harder for the Hornets to defend. With Durant on the court, the Suns will have a much better chance of winning and covering the spread.

In conclusion, the Phoenix Suns are the clear favorites to win the game against the Charlotte Hornets and cover the 10-point spread. They have a more talented roster, better recent form, and the addition of Kevin Durant to their roster. While the Hornets have some promising young players, they are still developing and struggling on both ends of the court. The Suns should be able to take advantage of this and come away with a comfortable victory.

PICK: Suns -10 (-110)

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