Phoenix Suns at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

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The Phoenix Suns (38-28) take on the Charlotte Hornets (17-49) Friday with tip-off from Spectrum Center set for 7 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Suns vs. Hornets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Suns lead 1-0 after 133-119 home win on Dec. 29

The Suns are on the 2nd game of a back-to-back after the Boston Celtics eclipsed them 127-112 Thursday night. Four Phoenix players had 20-plus points — G Devin Booker (23), G Bradley Beal (22), F Grayson Allen (20) and F Kevin Durant (20) — but they couldn’t contain the freight train from Boston.

The Hornets have won 2 of 3 after putting down the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday 110-98 to cover as 5.5-point favorites. Charlotte is 5-5 ATS over its last 10 games. F Miles Bridges had 27 points, 6 boards and 6 dimes while going 3-for-7 from downtown. G Vasilije Micic also had a season-high 25 as he has been in double figures for 7 straight games.

Suns at Hornets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:08 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Suns -500 (bet $500 to win $100) | Hornets +360 (bet $100 to win $360)
Against the spread (ATS): Suns -9.5 (-115) | Hornets +9.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Suns at Hornets key injuries

Suns

G Eric Gordon (knee) out
G Josh Okogie (abdomen) out

Hornets

G LaMelo Ball (ankle) out
G Seth Curry (ankle) out
G Cody Martin (ankle) out
G Bryce McGowens (knee) out
C Mark Williams (back) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Suns at Hornets and predictions

Prediction

Suns 119, Hornets 100

Moneyline

Even on a back-to-back, there’s no way the Suns should drop this game. There’s also no way we’re paying the -500 moneyline.

PASS

Player props weren’t available at press time, likely because Phoenix is a veteran team on the tail end of a back-to-back. If one pops up for Micic at 11 or 12 points, I’d jump on that. He has hit double figures in 7 straight, and he has 12+ points in 6 of those.

Against the spread

There’s a chance this spread comes down a bit if the Suns opt to rest someone in the back-to-back. I wouldn’t want to lay more than the 9 1/2 we’re giving up here, though, so keep that in mind.

The Suns have won 6 straight meetings, and the last 5 were by 10+.

Take the SUNS -9.5 (-115).

Over/Under

The Hornets play no defense, and the total really boils down to how much the Suns want to score. They are just 2-8 O/U over the last 10, and Charlotte is 3-7. I’m going to LEAN OVER 217.5 (-105), but go easy here.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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