Charlotte Hornets vs Phoenix Suns (Image via Getty)
The Phoenix Suns travel to face the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in an important late-season game. Both teams are still fighting for position, so this matchup carries real weight.Charlotte has been improving during its rebuild and has stayed competitive in recent weeks. Phoenix, on the other hand, is trying to manage injuries while holding its place in the Western Conference standings. This game gives both sides a chance to take a step forward.
Suns vs Injuries and availability – who is playing?
Phoenix Suns (updated April 2, 2026)
Phoenix comes into this game with a few concerns in the frontcourt, but most of its main players are available.OUT • Mark Williams (C) – Foot injury; ruled outDAY-TO-DAY • Haywood Highsmith (F) – Knee issue; not fully cleared • Amir Coffey (G/F) – Ankle issue; status uncertainPlayers like Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Royce O’Neale, and Nick Richards are all expected to play.
Charlotte Hornets (updated April 2, 2026)
Charlotte has a shorter injury list, though it still affects their frontcourt depth.OUT / UNAVAILABLE • PJ Hall (C) – Ankle injury; not expected to playLaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Kon Knueppel, Tre Mann, and Sion James are all available and ready for this game.
Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets Current rosters – 2025-26 season
Phoenix Suns – key players
Phoenix has built its team around Devin Booker and added depth on the wings. • Backcourt: Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie, Royce O’Neale • Frontcourt: Nick Richards, Mark Williams (injured), Oso Ighodaro, Khaman Maluach, Isaiah Livers
Charlotte Hornets – key players
Charlotte’s team is built around young talent, led by LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges.
• Backcourt: LaMelo Ball, Collin Sexton, Tre Mann, Sion James, K.J. Simpson • Wings/Forwards: Miles Bridges, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Tidjane Salaun, Liam McNeeleyNote: Some players who were traded, like Mark Williams and Nick Richards, are no longer part of Charlotte’s current roster and are only mentioned here for context.
Phoenix Suns vs Charlotte Hornets Head-to-head record and recent results
Phoenix has had the better record in this matchup over the years.
All-time record:
• Suns – 44 wins • Hornets – 26 winsIn the last three seasons, the teams have played four times.
Phoenix has won three of those games. • Jan 12, 2025 – Suns 120-113 • Jan 7, 2025 – Hornets 115-104 • Mar 15, 2024 – Suns 107-96 • Dec 29, 2023 – Suns 133-119Phoenix comes in with the edge, but Charlotte has shown it can win when its offense is working well.
Suns vs Hornets 2025-26 team stats snapshot
| Metric | Phoenix Suns (2025-26) | Charlotte Hornets (2025-26) |
| Overall record | 42–34 (7th-seed range) | 40–36 (playoff bubble) |
| Points per game (PPG) | ≈112.9 | ≈116.3 |
| Field-goal % | ≈44.3% | ≈44.5% |
| 3-point % | ≈35.0% | ≈36.0% |
| Rebounds per game | ≈42.8 | ≈46.2 |
| Assists per game | ≈26.4 | ≈26.6 |
| Turnovers per game | ≈17.8 | ≈14.7 |
Charlotte scores a bit more and takes better care of the ball. Phoenix depends more on its guards to create offense, which leads to more turnovers.
Matchup breakdown – Suns vs Hornets (April 2, 2026)
1. Backcourt battle: Booker and Green vs Ball and Sexton
This game will depend a lot on how Phoenix handles LaMelo Ball, who is one of Charlotte’s main playmakers.Devin Booker will lead the scoring for Phoenix, with support from Jalen Green and Grayson Allen. Dillon Brooks may take on defensive duties against Ball.For Charlotte, Ball controls the pace, while Collin Sexton adds scoring. Tre Mann and Sion James give them more options off the bench.If Phoenix slows Ball down, it can control the game. If not, Charlotte can take over quickly.
2. Frontcourt and rebounding
Both teams are missing key big men, so this will be a test for their role players.Charlotte will rely on Miles Bridges and its frontcourt group to control rebounds. Phoenix will depend on Nick Richards and its younger players to protect the paint.Rebounding could decide the game, especially if it stays close.
3. Three-point shooting and game pace
Both teams shoot at a similar rate from three-point range. Charlotte spreads its scoring more evenly, while Phoenix relies more on its main scorers.Recent games between these teams have been high scoring. This one is also expected to be fast-paced unless turnovers or defense slow things down.Also read: Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight vs the Phoenix Suns? Final update on the Charlotte Hornets star’s injury report (April 2, 2026)Phoenix, at 42-34, is trying to secure its place in the Western Conference standings. A win here would help them stay in position. Charlotte, at 40-36, is still pushing for a playoff spot. A win would keep that push alive.Both teams have something to play for. With strong guard play and playoff pressure, this game should be competitive from start to finish.
