The New Orleans Hornets will be looking to sweep the Phoenix Suns tonight, in New Orleans. The Hornets have beaten the Suns three straight times as underdogs. The Hornets took the last game, in New Orleans, 101-98. Can Nash prevent the sweep?
The New Orleans Hornets(-3) host the Phoenix Suns(+3) tonight, at New Orleans Arena. BetOnline.com currently has the Hornets as 3-point favs over the Suns with the over/under set at 214. The last two meeting between these two has ended up OVER the posted total. Get your NBA Pick in now!
The New Orleans Hornets has lost a season high three straight games after losing 92-95 to the Washington Wizards as 11-point favs. Newly acquired Bonzi Wells has been out of the lineup since their win against Dallas and is not expected to play tonight. Since then, the Hornets have averaged 87 PPG in their last three games and their field shooting has dropped below 50%. Overall their offense is good for an 11th ranked 99 PPG and they are also the 2nd deadliest 3-pointer shooters in the league. They are an 8th ranked team at shooting from the field and they average 11 DRPG. Their go to guy on offense is Chris Paul who averages 20 PPG and 10 APG. Tyson Chandler is a rebounding fool who averages 12 RPG. The Hornets are 5-2 ATS after two days rest and are 18-10 at home.
On defense the Hornets have allowed a low 98 PPG in their last five games and they overall allow a 5th ranked 94 PPG. Their defense in the field and at the 3-pointer sit averagely ranked 17th and 16th. The Hornets sit in 2nd place in the Southwest Standings, one game back from the San Antonio Spurs.
The Phoenix Suns have been playing on and off basketball every since they picked up Shaq. They have three wins in their last five games, where they’ve averaged 106 PPG. They recently beat the Memphis Grizzles 127-113 as 11.5-point favs after O'Neal was pulled for the whole fourth quarter. He had his best game in a Suns uniform with 13pts and 11 rebounds. The Suns overall offense is usually good for a 2nd ranked 109 PPG while their field goal shooting sits the best in the league. While their 3-point shooting sits 4th best in the league, their offensive rebounding stinks ranked 30th. The top producer for the Suns is Amare Stoudemire who averages 28pts and 2 BPG. He is also their best field goal shooter making 58%. The Suns are 2-6 ATS after two days rest and are 18-10 on the road.
The Suns defense has given up 106 PPG in their last five and their 3-point prevention is horrible. Overall they allow a 26th ranked 104 PPG and their defense in the paint sits ranked 15th. Their overall 3-point defense is ranked 5th but it has since dropped dramatically. The Suns are in 2nd place in the Pacific Standings, one game behind the L.A. Lakers.
Phoenix (39-18) at New Orleans (37-18)
Tipoff: Wed, Feb 27, 2008 8:00 PM ET
Line: BetOnline.com
Pick: New Orleans -3
Bottom Line: When the Hornets have their 3-point shooters on the floor, Shaq will be on the bench. This will open up the floor for Chris Paul and others to get some quick points on the board. The Suns are struggling defensively. Get your NBA Pick in now!
