The Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets are both looking for changes to positively impact their seasons as they face off Tuesday night in Charlotte, N.C.
The Suns recently altered their starting lineup and snapped a four-game losing streak with a 109-99 win over Philadelphia on Monday. Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer made the call to bring Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic off the bench. Beal still made a significant impact, scoring a game-high 25 points in 30 minutes, while Nurkic contributed five points and seven rebounds in 14 minutes. Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee were inserted into the starting roles, with Dunn scoring 15 points and Plumlee adding two points and seven boards.
The Hornets are mired in a 10-game losing streak but are hopeful with the return of top scorers LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller after more than a week out of the lineup. Both players scored 24 points in a 115-105 loss to Cleveland on Sunday night. Miller was particularly effective from beyond the arc, going 6-for-10, while the other starters combined for just 4-for-20 from three-point range.
Seth Curry, nursing a sore knee, missed Sunday’s game and is listed as probable for Tuesday. He had been a starter while Ball and Miller were injured. With 18 losses in their last 19 games, the Hornets are desperate for a change in approach. Center Mark Williams, who took only seven shots against the Cavaliers, might be a focal point for increased involvement.
Nick Smith Jr. provided a spark off the bench with 18 points following a stint with the G League team.
Plumlee is no stranger to Charlotte, having started 129 games for the Hornets in less than two full seasons. The visit to Charlotte marks the end of the Suns’ three-game road trip. The teams will face each other again on Sunday in Phoenix.
