The Phoenix Suns (9-31) and the Charlotte Hornets (18-20) go head-to-head at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns are 2-point underdogs and look to snap their five-game losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 224 points and it will air on Fox Sports Carolina at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 6, 2019.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Phoenix Suns ATS Odds
Both teams failed to cover as underdogs in their last matchup. The Suns (4.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Los Angeles Clippers, 121-111, while the Hornets (1.5-point underdogs) fell to the Denver Nuggets, 123-110. The Phoenix game finished 3 points under the projected point total of 235, while the Charlotte game finished 11.5 points over the projected point total of 221.5.
Charlotte did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (21-26; 80.8 percent) while Phoenix forced Los Angeles into a turnover percentage of 16.9 (above their season average of 12.4). T.J. Warren had a good game for Phoenix, finishing with 20 points. Charlotte rallied around Bismack Biyombo, who recorded 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Hornets dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the most recent contest, Charlotte won 122-115. Getting to the free throw line was one of Charlotte’s biggest advantages. They made 27 trips to the line, while Phoenix went 19 times. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Hornets games have a slight tendency to go over the O/U total (54.1 percent). Charlotte heads into the contest with records of 18-20 straight up (SU) and 19-18 against the spread (ATS).
Games involving the Suns tend to go under the projected point total (55.0 percent). Further, Phoenix is 9-31 SU and 17-23 ATS.
Getting to the line might be few and far between for Phoenix in this contest. The Suns currently rank 24th in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.181, while Charlotte ranks eighth in FTA rate allowed (0.185).
Charlotte Hornets vs. Phoenix Suns Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Hornets rank 18 in rebounds per game (44.31578947368421) while the Suns rank 27 (40.475).
- Charlotte ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.2) while Phoenix ranks 29th (19.9).
- The Suns rank 10th in blocks allowed per game (4.7) while the Hornets rank last (6.6).
- Charlotte averages 48.6 points in the paint per game, which ranks 15th in the league. Phoenix ranks 29th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.9).
- Charlotte averages 24.05263157894737 assists per game, which ranks 15 in the NBA. Phoenix ranks 26 in assists allowed per game (25.725).
- The Suns rank seventh in three pointers allowed per game (28.9) while the Hornets rank 29th (34.3).
- The Hornets rank 15 in fast break points allowed per game (13.5) while the Suns rank 28 (16.15).
- Charlotte ranks 20 in second chance points per game (12.842105263157896) while Phoenix ranks 28 (11.325).
- Charlotte ranks eighth in steals allowed per game (7.2) while Phoenix ranks 28th (9.3).
- When holding opponents below 100 points, Phoenix is 3-1 and Charlotte is 6-0.
- The Suns are 8-19 when they score above 100 points, while the Hornets are 17-18.
- Phoenix is 9-12 ATS at home, while Charlotte is 7-8 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 9 of the Hornets’ 15 road games, while 12 of the Suns’ 21 home games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Charlotte and Phoenix have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Hornets are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Suns are 1-4.
- The Hornets have been outscored by an average of 3.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Charlotte has defeated opponents by an average of 1.2 points.
- During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 113.4 points per game (7.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 125.0 points per game (10.0 above their season average).
