The Charlotte Hornets arrive in Phoenix carrying the glow of a 124-112 win over Cleveland, while the Suns are coming off an even louder answer: a 133-110 victory over the Clippers. On Thursday night, those fresh wins will meet under the desert lights. Phoenix, 4-6 through Tuesday’s games, wants to turn its recent spark into a climb. Charlotte, 4-7 through Tuesday, wants to prove its big win was the start of something stronger.

The Hornets’ clearest path begins near the basket. They average 46.1 rebounds per game, far more than Phoenix’s 39.7. A rebound ends the other team’s turn or creates a second chance after a missed shot. Charlotte showed that strength against Cleveland, collecting 17 offensive rebounds. Naz Reid and Ryan Kalkbrenner can make every missed shot feel like a loose ball worth chasing.

Reid is the powerful center of this story after posting 25 points and 13 rebounds in Charlotte’s last game. He can score inside, stretch the floor with his shooting, and battle for space. The Hornets will also need Brandon Miller, their 20.6-point scorer, to be ready after being listed day-to-day with a groin issue. Miller’s size lets him shoot over smaller defenders, and his scoring can keep Charlotte connected when the game speeds up. Kon Knueppel remains out, which removes a young shooting option from the rotation.

Phoenix will try to answer Charlotte’s size with skill and speed. Devin Booker is the Suns’ steady guide, averaging 26 points while creating shots for teammates. He can stop on a dime for a midrange jumper, drive to the rim, or find an open teammate when defenders crowd him. Charlotte has turned the ball over 19 times per game, and Booker’s calm decisions could turn those errors into quick Suns points.

Dillon Brooks gives Phoenix another important tool. He is hitting 46.3 percent of his three-point shots, so Charlotte cannot leave him alone beyond the arc. At the other end, Brooks often takes difficult wing assignments, which could put him in key moments against Miller. Phoenix shoots 47.2 percent from the field as a team, showing it has been much more accurate than Charlotte’s 40 percent.

The paint will still be a concern for the Suns. Starting center Mark Williams is out, leaving 7-foot-1 Khaman Maluach with a larger task. Maluach finishes close shots well, rebounds, and uses his long reach to block or change attempts at the rim. Yet he will face a physical Hornets frontcourt eager to create extra possessions.

This matchup is a tug-of-war: Charlotte wants missed shots, extra chances, and a rugged game; Phoenix wants Booker to steer a cleaner, sharper attack. The Hornets have the rebounding advantage, but the Suns are at home and carry more reliable shooting. Expect Phoenix to win if Booker controls the pace and Maluach holds his ground inside.

Devin Booker and the Suns Meet Charlotte’s Rebounding Challenge