The Charlotte Hornets (28-38) look to snap their five-game losing streak when they square off with the Phoenix Suns (19-48) at Spectrum Center. The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 10, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports Carolina.
Phoenix Suns vs. Charlotte Hornets ATS Prediction
In the Suns’ last contest, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 115-87. Oklahoma City’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Phoenix. The Thunder had a rate of 0.606 (above their season average of 0.512), while the Suns posted a mark of 0.386 (below their season average of 0.496). Devin Booker was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 10-for-22 shooting.
The Hornets fell to the Brooklyn Nets in their last matchup, 125-111. Brooklyn’s 23.1 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Charlotte, who had a rate of 15.0. The Nets’ mark was above their season average of 21.8, while the Hornets’ was below their season average of 22.4. With 19 points and seven rebounds, Charlotte’s Dwight Howard put together a good game.
Charlotte could put on a ball-control clinic in this contest. Charlotte ranks second in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.2 percent), while Phoenix forces the third-fewest turnovers (12.7 percent).
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Howard had 18 points and 14 rebounds in the first matchup, in which the Hornets beat the Suns 115-110 but could not cover as 6.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 225 points, which was just 5 points above the projected point total of 220 points. The Hornets had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.0 vs. 6.3) and had a much better turnover percentage (6.9 vs. 18.7).
Phoenix Suns at Charlotte Hornets Betting Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Phoenix is 18-15-1 ATS with 17 unders, 16 overs and 1 push.
At home, Charlotte is 16-18-1 ATS with 18 overs and 17 unders.
Phoenix is 6-2 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Charlotte is 10-3.
The Hornets are 27-17 when they score more than 100 points, while the Suns are 15-29.
Charlotte ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.2) while Phoenix ranks 27th (18.8).
The Hornets rank fourth in fast break points allowed per game (10.0) while the Suns rank 29th (14.8).
Charlotte ranks second in steals allowed per game (6.4) while Phoenix ranks 26th (8.5).
The Hornets average 45.0 rebounds per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Suns rank 29th in rebounds allowed per game (45.8).
Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (10.1) while Phoenix ranks 22nd (13.2).
The Hornets rank 15th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.5) while the Suns rank 26th (47.5).
Charlotte averages 4.6 blocks per game, which ranks 20th in the NBA. Phoenix ranks last in blocks allowed per game (5.8).
The Hornets are 26th in the league with 21.3 assists per game while the Suns are 28th with 21.1 assists per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Phoenix is 2-3 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
Charlotte is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 9.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 105.6 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 120.0 points per game (12.7 above their season average).
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