The Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns are set to face off in a captivating NBA matchup on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Both teams are looking to build momentum as the season progresses, with Charlotte returning to action following two postponed games and Phoenix aiming to bounce back after their last encounter.
Charlotte Hornets Preview:
The Hornets (8-27) are looking to maintain the momentum from their recent 115-104 victory over Phoenix. Charlotte had experienced a difficult stretch, losing 18 of their previous 19 games. However, the team showed resilience and determination in their win against the Suns on Tuesday.
LaMelo Ball stood out with 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. Miles Bridges contributed 21 points and seven rebounds. Coach Charles Lee hopes to build on this performance as the team returns to the court after the tragic Los Angeles wildfires led to the postponement of their games against the Lakers and Clippers.
Phoenix Suns Preview:
The Suns (18-19) look to bounce back from their recent loss to Charlotte and build on their 114-106 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday. Phoenix has been inconsistent but remains competitive, particularly with strong performances from their key players.
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have been instrumental for the Suns. Booker scored 39 points against Charlotte, while Durant added 26 points. Phoenix needs additional contributions from players like Grayson Allen and Bradley Beal, who scored 14 and 12 points off the bench against Utah, respectively. The Suns will rely on their scoring ability and home-court advantage to secure a win.
Key Matchup:
The key matchup to watch will be between LaMelo Ball and Devin Booker. Both players have been dominant in recent games, and their performances will significantly impact the game’s outcome. Ball’s playmaking and scoring abilities against Booker’s sharpshooting will be crucial in determining the winner.
Historical Context:
Phoenix leads the all-time series against Charlotte, but the Hornets managed to snap a seven-game losing streak against the Suns on January 7th. This game marks the second meeting between the teams this season, with Charlotte aiming to sweep the season series.
