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What: Charlotte Hornets (22-29) vs. Phoenix Suns (18-35)
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena; Phoenix, Arizona
When: 3:00 p.m. EST
How to watch: Fox Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass
The Charlotte Hornets are out west today as they take on the Phoenix Suns in an early tip-off before the Superbowl.
The Hornets are looking to make it three wins in a row after defeating the Hawks and Pacers. Today’s game is another chance to edge closer to the Philadelphia 76ers, whom they trail by 3.5 games for 8th in the Eastern Conference.
But let’s focus on Phoenix. They are currently in a rebuild and sit 13th in the Western Conference. Led by third-year player Devin Booker, who averages 24.3 points and shoots 43 percent from the field and 37.4 from 3, Phoenix is young and play at the third highest pace in the league. Their youth and pace come at a cost; however, as they rank dead last in points allowed and defensive rating. Charlotte can exploit this if their offense continues to shine as it has the past couple of games.
Leading the offense is Kemba Walker (duh) who has scored 38 and 41 points, respectively, in his last two games. Assuming this continues, he will pass Dell Curry today for most 3-pointers made in franchise history. But sure, he’s not an All-Star.
Marvin Williams will be out again today, making it another start for Frank Kaminsky. Frank has played solid in two starts, averaging 13 points per game. Cody Zeller will also play his second game since returning from injury. He was a bit rusty against Indiana but should continue to improve as he re-adjusts to the NBA game.
Switching back to Phoenix, keep an eye on T.J. Warren. The former NC-State player is averaging 19.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, and has started in every game he’s appeared in this season. Also look for former Hornets guard Troy Daniels, who unsurprisingly leads the team in 3-point percentage at 41.7 percent.
Injury wise, both teams look relatively healthy. Isaiah Cannon will be out, while Alex Len is listed as day-to-day. However, Marquese Chriss is suspended today following an altercation with an assistant coach.
With Charlotte’s solid form and Phoenix’s current bad stretch (they’ve lost 6-of-7), the Hornets should pick up a win today. But early tip-offs can create weird games, so nothing is guaranteed.