This is an 8* play on CHARLOTTE.

The Suns and Hornets each last played on Thursday. The way those games went I believe will have a bearing on today's contest. Phoenix took a brutal loss up in Toronto, losing at the buzzer in a game effort. They were obviously big underdogs up in Canada, but fought hard throughout only to come up just short. This is a tough turnaround having to head down to Charlotte, who was quite successful on Thursday as they clobbered Sacramento 114-95. That was the Hornets second straight win as they'd previously upset San Antonio at the end of a six-game swing out West. At home, I think the Hornets have a pretty clear edge here. They recently (as in earlier this month) beat the Suns out in Phoenix, 119-113. The Suns shot 51.5% overall from the field in that game, including 10 of 25 (40%) from three-point range. They aren't likely to shoot that well again playing on the road. The Suns are an awful 4-18 away from home, getting outscored by almost 12 points per game. Charlotte is 15-8 at home and should win big Saturday. Play on CHARLOTTE

AAA