Betsided

Suns vs Hornets Prediction and Odds: Struggling Phoenix is being Undervalued in Charlotte

By Matt De Saro

Despite injury issues and a 1-3 record in their last four games, the Suns are being undervalued in their game against the Hornets.
Despite injury issues and a 1-3 record in their last four games, the Suns are being undervalued in their game against the Hornets. / Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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The Phoenix Suns, one of the teams to beat in the West, are currently in a 1-3 rut heading into Charlotte to take on the Hornets. Despite their recent struggles, the Suns still have the second-best record in the NBA behind their Pacific Division rivals, the Golden State Warriors. In any other division in the NBA, the Suns would have a multi-game lead over the next best team. 

On the flip side, the Charlotte Hornets are in second place in the Southeast Division standings with a 19-17 record to thank. Despite their ranking in the division, the Hornets are seventh in the East heading into Sunday’s game. However, there has been a spark lately and the Hornets have won three games in a row and covered their last four against the spread (ATS).

Here are the odds for this battle of West vs East, courtesy of WynnBET: 

Suns vs. Hornets Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Suns -2.5 (-110)
  • Hornets +2.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Suns -140
  • Hornets +115

Total: 

  • 231.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Suns vs. Hornets Prediction and Pick

The Suns have been doing well in the W/L column, but their ATS results have me second-guessing them in this spot. Especially with DeAndre Ayton and JaVale McGee in health and safety protocols. The Suns are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games after starting the season 8-4 against the spread. On a positive note, Jalen Smith has looked good after being thrust into the lineup and is averaging a 15 point, 10 rebound double-double in his last three games. To combat their lack of size right now, the Suns also signed Bismack Biyombo to a 10-day hardship deal. He will be available off the bench tonight.

The Suns need the help after surrounding 64 points in the paint to the Boston Celtics after being down by as much as 30 points. Biyombo is not a difference-maker with a career average of 5.1 PPG and 6.1 RPG, but the Suns need bodies down low right now. The Suns will also be without Jae Crowder, Abdel Nader on the court, and their head coach in Monty Williams on the sidelines. Kevin Young has been filling in for Coach Williams and the Suns are 1-2 without him. 

With all of these cards stacked against the Suns, I can somewhat understand the spread in this game. Still, it feels a bit low for a team as good as Phoenix.  Sure, the Suns have hit a bump in the road with a few losses. But, they were beaten by the Warriors who lead the NBA in wins, the Grizzlies who lead their division, and a good Celtics team. The Hornets possess none of those titles or accolades and make for a perfect bounce-back spot for the Suns. The Combo of Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Mikal Bridges will be enough for the Suns to win and cover this short spread. 

Pick: Suns -2.5 (-110)

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