Who: Phoenix Suns (36–27) vs. Charlotte Hornets (32–32)
When: 7:00 PM Arizona Time
Where: PHX Arena — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports, NBC, Peacock
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The recent dynamics create an interesting contrast heading into this Suns/Hornets matchup. Phoenix has been somewhat inconsistent but just managed to grind out a win against the Pelicans after alternating between good and not-so-good performances over their last five games (3 wins, 2 losses).
On the other
side, Charlotte arrives with serious momentum. The Hornets have won five of their last six games, including dominant wins over Boston (118–89) and Dallas (117–90), powered by a young, explosive roster that has been extremely efficient from three-point range (just under 40% from deep since January 1st).
So this game will pit a Phoenix team searching for consistency and confidence for the stretch run against a Charlotte squad that is honestly playing some of the best basketball in its history.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
- Mark Williams — OUT (Left Foot)
- Dillon Brooks — OUT (Left Hand)
- Jordan Goodwin — OUT (Left Calf)
Hornets
Tidjane Salaün — OUT (Left Calf Strain)
What to Watch For
The Suns are about to face the best team in the league since January 1. The Hornets are 21-10 losses with a +11 point differential.
Charlotte’s offense has been rolling, built around a starting five that is both complete and exciting. LaMelo Ball brings creativity and flair, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges provide scoring and vertical pressure, Kon Knueppel (my early pick for Rookie of the Year this season) adds confidence and versatility, and Moussa Diabate delivers the physical presence. When those five share the floor, they post a terrifying +26.7 net rating. This will be a real test for the Suns.
Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach are both coming in with noticeable momentum in their recent appearances. Maluach, used in short bursts but with increasing responsibility (helped by Mark Williams’ injury), continues to showcase a rare defensive profile. He’s averaging 1.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks in just 5.5 minutes per game this season, but his recent outings have shown a much larger impact than the stat line suggests. His 5-block performance against the Pelicans highlighted his ability to completely alter defensive possessions.
Meanwhile, Fleming keeps validating the internal excitement surrounding his versatile and complementary profile (defense, three-point shooting, athleticism). His recent performances have been particularly encouraging: 16 minutes, 5 points, and 4 rebounds per game on 62% TS over the last five games.
There’s little doubt he’ll continue to produce and bring some much-needed energy to a team that has looked a bit flat during this final third of the season.
Keys to a Suns Win
Beyond the basics — hitting shots from deep, staying sharp defensively, moving the ball well, and not mentally drifting in what promises to be a tough game — I think rebounding and the possession battle could be the real deciding factors tonight. That starts with limiting Moussa Diabate’s impact on the glass (3.7 offensive rebounds per game, +6% offensive rebound rate when he’s on the floor — 95th percentile).
Phoenix will also need a clean offensive structure, which means limiting turnovers and avoiding easy transition opportunities for Charlotte.
Prediction
Sundays haven’t exactly been kind to the Suns this season: 9 games, 4 wins, and 5 losses. It’s the only day of the week where they’re in the negative. So let’s hope they can restore balance to the Force today.
Suns 115, Hornets 105
