NBA
Phoenix enters with the better scoring profile and the stronger perimeter shot quality, though its defense has been leaky enough to keep the final margin in play. Charlotte has struggled to generate efficient offense all season, and its 98.8 points per game, 40.0 field goal percentage, and 30.8 three point percentage all point to a limited ceiling unless the shooting improves sharply. The Suns have also been better at home on the efficiency side, with a 1.143 home offensive efficiency compared with Charlotte’s 1.031 recent three-game offensive mark, which supports Phoenix as the more reliable side.
Phoenix should control this game with the more efficient offense and the better scoring balance, even if its defense allows Charlotte to stay within range for stretches. The projected final score is Phoenix Suns 113, Charlotte Hornets 106, which fits a home win for Phoenix and a total that sits above the low-scoring profile Charlotte has shown this season. The Suns’ superior field goal rate, three point rate, and offensive efficiency give them the clearest path to victory.
