Charlotte Hornets vs Phoenix-suns Picks and Predictions January 7th 2025

Charlotte Hornets vs Phoenix-Suns January 7th 2025

At 7:00 ET, the 12th-ranked Suns (-188) will take on the 14th-ranked Hornets (+157) in a non-conference matchup. Phoenix is favored by 4.5 points and the over/under line is 221.5.

The Suns (16-18) are 5th in the Pacific Division and will be looking to snap a 10-game losing streak for the Hornets (7-27), who are 4th in the Southeast.

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Suns vs. Hornets Key Information

The Suns improved to 16-18 this season with a 109-99 win over the 76ers on Monday. Phoenix, favored by 2 points, covered the spread with the victory. The game’s total of 208 points fell short of the 222.5-point line.

After the 76ers went on a 14-0 run early, Phoenix responded by winning the 2nd quarter 26-23. They took control in the 3rd, outscoring Philadelphia 36-27, and sealed the win by taking the 4th quarter 31-26.

Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant combined for 48 points in the Suns’ win over the 76ers, with Beal scoring 14 of his 25 points in the 3rd quarter. Durant added 8 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters, finishing with 23 points and 6 rebounds.

The Suns shot 50.6% from the field and 45.2% from three, hitting 14 threes in the game. Beal, Durant, and Ryan Dunn each made 3 threes, with Dunn contributing 8 of his 15 points in the final quarter.

The Suns’ defense held the 76ers to just 99 points in Monday’s win, giving up 23 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters. They allowed 27 points in the 3rd and 26 in the 4th, but still managed to keep Philadelphia under 100 points.

Overall, Phoenix limited the 76ers to 39% shooting from the field. Philadelphia hit 15 threes at a 37% clip. The Suns also sent the 76ers to the free-throw line 26 times, where they made 16. Phoenix finished with 40 defensive rebounds, gave up 12 offensive boards, and recorded 7 steals and 4 blocks.

The Hornets fell to 7-27 on the season after a 115-105 road loss to the Cavaliers on Sunday. Charlotte entered the game as +16 point underdogs but managed to keep things closer than expected. The total score of 220 points fell short of the 230.5-point over/under line.

Charlotte’s chances took a hit when Cleveland went on a 10-0 run early, stretching their lead from 34-25 to 44-25. The Hornets fought back, outscoring the Cavs 57-52 in the second half, but couldn’t overcome the deficit after trailing 91-78 going into the 4th quarter.

In their 115-105 loss to the Cavaliers, the Hornets shot just 41.8% from the field, though they did connect on 15 threes at a 35.7% clip. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller each scored 24 points, with Miller hitting 6 threes at 60% efficiency.

Nick Smith Jr. added 18 points, making 4 threes at 66.7%. Ball scored 9 points in the 4th quarter, while Smith added 7 of his own in the final frame.

Defensively, the Hornets struggled in the 2nd quarter, giving up 34 points, but they tightened up in the 4th, allowing just 24. Overall, they allowed 115 points on 47% shooting from the Cavaliers.

From beyond the arc, Charlotte gave up 15 threes on 34% shooting. They sent Cleveland to the line 16 times, with the Cavaliers hitting 12 free throws. The Hornets finished with 9 steals and 4 blocks.

We’re backing the Suns for a victory, with the projected score at 140-133. Additionally, we favor them to cover the spread, so we recommend placing a bet on the Suns at -4.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 221.5 and our model has the Suns and Hornets finishing with a combined 273 points. Our pick is to take the over.

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New-Look Suns Seek Momentum Against Struggling Hornets

The Phoenix Suns aim to build on a promising lineup adjustment as they face the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night in Charlotte, N.C. Meanwhile, the Hornets are desperate to snap a 10-game losing streak and turn their season around.

Suns Experiment Yields Early Success

The Suns ended a four-game losing streak with a 109-99 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, thanks to a shakeup in their starting lineup. Coach Mike Budenholzer replaced Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic in the starting five with Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee, a move that seemed to energize the team.

Beal, who scored a game-high 25 points in 30 minutes off the bench, embraced his new role. “He has been a pro,” Budenholzer said. “He was there for us in a big way.”

Dunn added 15 points in his 14th career start, while Plumlee contributed two points and seven rebounds in limited action. Budenholzer indicated that the new rotation might not be a day-to-day adjustment, emphasizing the focus on finding the best combinations for team success.

Hornets Struggle Despite Returns

The Hornets welcomed back LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller on Sunday after both missed time due to injuries. Each scored 24 points in a 115-105 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but their return wasn’t enough to end Charlotte’s skid.

“It felt good to be back out there competing with my teammates,” Miller said. “Of course, we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, but we’re just going back to the crib and trying to protect the home court.”

Despite Miller’s 6-for-10 shooting from 3-point range, the rest of the Hornets’ starters struggled from beyond the arc, combining for just 4-for-20. Center Mark Williams, who played 28 minutes, took only seven shots, and coach Charles Lee hinted at involving him more offensively moving forward.

“Mark is in a great place right now with how he’s playing the game and dominating the paint,” Lee said. “But just like everyone on our team, we want to continue to grow.”

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Bench Contributions and Familiar Faces

Nick Smith Jr. provided a spark off the bench for Charlotte with 18 points after a stint in the G League. His performance impressed Lee, who praised his work ethic. “He took full advantage of his opportunity to play,” Lee said.

For the Suns, Plumlee’s return to Charlotte adds intrigue. The veteran big man, now in his 12th season, started 129 games for the Hornets during his tenure with the team.

What’s Next?

This matchup marks the conclusion of a three-game road trip for the Suns. The teams will meet again on Sunday in Phoenix, providing a quick turnaround for Charlotte to try and regroup. For the Suns, the goal is to keep building momentum as they continue to experiment with their lineup.