The Charlotte Hornets are coming into this matchup on a rough patch, having lost their last three games against the Cavaliers, Pistons, and Bulls with scores that reflect their struggles on both ends of the court. LaMelo Ball, despite his high offensive rating of 111.3 and impressive average points of nearly 30 per game, has not been able to lift the team to victory. The Hornets face challenges defensively, with their starting five averaging a higher defensive rating, indicating their vulnerability in stopping opponents. On the other side, the Phoenix Suns have shown mixed performances recently. They secured a convincing win against the 76ers but suffered losses to the Pacers and Grizzlies. Kevin Durant’s strong offensive presence, coupled with Devin Booker’s scoring prowess, offers them a potent attack, as evidenced by their respective average points made of 27.4 and 24.1. However, the Suns' defensive ratings suggest potential weaknesses that the Hornets could exploit if they capitalize on their offensive opportunities.