Can Booker exploit the visitors' injury crisis? Prediction for Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets – 13.11.2026
Phoenix Suns
Charlotte Hornets
On November 13, 2026, the Phoenix Suns will host the Charlotte Hornets at Mortgage Matchup Center in an NBA regular-season clash. Both teams have struggled for consistency in the opening weeks, but their recent performances suggest different trajectories. Phoenix are gradually finding their rhythm behind Devin Booker, while Charlotte continue to deal with significant personnel problems. With the visitors particularly vulnerable away from home, the Suns have an opportunity to strengthen their position in the Western Conference.
Phoenix Suns: Booker leads an improving offense
Jordan Ott's team enter the matchup with a 4-6 record, sitting 11th in the Western Conference. Although Phoenix have endured several disappointing defeats, their recent performances have shown encouraging signs, particularly on the offensive end.
The Suns have won three of their last five games. They defeated Orlando 117-104 and edged Houston 102-99 before suffering a heavy 96-122 defeat against San Antonio. However, Phoenix responded immediately with an impressive 133-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, demonstrating their ability to dominate when their perimeter shooting clicks.
Devin Booker remains the team's unquestioned offensive leader, averaging approximately 26 points per game. He scored 32 points against San Antonio before contributing 17 points and five assists in the comfortable victory over the Clippers.
The supporting cast has also become increasingly important. Jalen Green provides additional scoring and speed, Dillon Brooks brings defensive intensity, while Miles Bridges contributes versatility and rebounding. Collin Gillespie offers another playmaking option, and Jordan Goodwin made an impressive return from injury against the Clippers, scoring 18 points with six three-pointers.
Phoenix's main personnel concern involves center Mark Williams, who remains sidelined following shoulder surgery. His absence leaves Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach with greater responsibilities around the basket, particularly in rebounding and rim protection.
Nevertheless, Ott has considerably more rotation options available than his opponent. If Phoenix maintain their offensive efficiency and limit unnecessary turnovers, they should be able to control substantial periods of this contest.
Charlotte Hornets: Injuries continue to disrupt the rotation
Charlotte arrive in Arizona with a 4-7 record, occupying ninth place in the Eastern Conference. Charles Lee's team have endured a difficult opening stretch, struggling to establish offensive consistency while repeatedly falling short defensively.
The Hornets recently suffered six consecutive defeats, including a humiliating 80-119 home loss to Boston and a 91-124 setback against Detroit. However, they finally ended that losing streak with an impressive 124-112 victory over Cleveland.
That performance was built around exceptional three-point shooting. Charlotte converted 23 of their 46 attempts from beyond the arc, with Grayson Allen scoring 27 points and Naz Reid adding 25 points and 13 rebounds. The victory demonstrated that the Hornets still possess enough individual quality to trouble stronger opponents.
However, their personnel situation remains particularly concerning.
Kon Knueppel and Dennis Schröder are unavailable with hamstring injuries, while Grant Williams is also sidelined by a hamstring problem. Brandon Miller remains day-to-day because of groin soreness, and Moussa Diabaté is dealing with a quadriceps issue.
These absences have forced Lee to rely more heavily on Allen, Coby White, Reid and younger players such as Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner. Royce O'Neale and Tidjane Salaün also provide valuable minutes, but Charlotte's rotation lacks the stability necessary to maintain consistent performances.
The situation is especially challenging on the road. Charlotte have won only one of their first four away games, and their offensive production outside their home arena has been disappointing.
There is also an interesting storyline surrounding this matchup. Miles Bridges moved from Charlotte to Phoenix during the summer, while Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale went in the opposite direction. That adds another intriguing dimension to a contest between two teams still adjusting to significant roster changes.
Key trends and head-to-head statistics
- Phoenix have won three of their last five games, including victories over Houston and the LA Clippers.
- The Suns scored 133 points in their latest outing against the Clippers.
- Charlotte have lost six of their last seven games despite beating Cleveland in their most recent appearance.
- The Hornets scored just 80 points against Boston before producing 124 against Cleveland.
- Charlotte have won only one of their first four road games this season.
- The teams split their two meetings in the 2025/26 season, with Phoenix winning 111-99 at home and Charlotte recording a 127-107 home victory.
Prediction: Phoenix should take advantage of Charlotte's weakened rotation
Charlotte's victory over Cleveland should provide a confidence boost, but repeating such exceptional three-point shooting will be difficult. The Hornets remain vulnerable in transition, struggle with offensive consistency and have several important players unavailable or uncertain.
Phoenix have not been completely reliable either, particularly defensively. However, Booker gives the Suns a dependable offensive leader, while Green, Brooks and Bridges provide additional scoring options and greater flexibility across the rotation.
The hosts should also benefit from Charlotte's problems on the perimeter. With Knueppel and Schröder unavailable, the visitors have fewer options to create shots and maintain their offensive rhythm when their main scorers are resting.
Charlotte may remain competitive through Reid's rebounding and Allen's shooting, but Phoenix possess the stronger overall rotation and home-court advantage. The Suns look capable of pulling away during the second half and securing a victory by multiple possessions.
Prediction: Phoenix Suns (-4.5) handicap.
