Booker’s 25.1 PPG Looms Over Charlotte’s Shorthanded Attack

Thursday’s meeting gives both 4-6 Phoenix and 4-7 Charlotte a chance to gain ground early, while the Suns hold the better power-index position at No. 19 to the Hornets’ No. 24. Phoenix averages 112.8 points per game, but allows 118.1; Charlotte scores just 98.8 per game and is 1-3 on the road. Devin Booker leads the Suns with 25.1 points per game, while Charlotte’s top scorer, Brandon Miller, averages 20.6 but is out, as are Dennis Schroder and Kon Knueppel. Booker’s ability to turn Phoenix’s scoring edge into separation will be key against a Hornets attack missing three rotation options.