Charlotte Hornets Face Phoenix Suns in Sunday Night NBA Matchup

Game to stream exclusively on Peacock as part of new NBA media rights deal

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

The Charlotte Hornets will travel to Phoenix to take on the Suns in a Sunday night NBA matchup on March 8, 2026. The game will be broadcast exclusively on the Peacock streaming service as part of the league's new media rights agreement, marking a shift in how fans can access live NBA games.

Why it matters

This game exemplifies the changing landscape of sports media consumption, with the NBA moving more of its content to streaming platforms like Peacock. The matchup between the up-and-coming Hornets and the veteran-led Suns also highlights the evolving power dynamics in the modern NBA.

The details

The Hornets, led by sophomore star Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel, have emerged as an Eastern Conference surprise, occupying the 10th seed with a 32-32 record. Meanwhile, the Suns, anchored by Devin Booker and a revamped defense under coach Jordan Ott, are in a tight race for Western Conference positioning, currently holding the 7th seed with a 36-27 record.

  • The game is scheduled to tip off at 10:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Devin Booker

A veteran star player for the Phoenix Suns.

Jordan Ott

The head coach of the Phoenix Suns, known for implementing a revamped defensive identity.

Brandon Miller

A sophomore star player for the Charlotte Hornets.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie player for the Charlotte Hornets.

Charles Lee

The head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, guiding the team's development.

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What they’re saying

“This game exemplifies the shifting power dynamics of the modern NBA, with the Hornets emerging as a surprise contender and the Suns fighting for playoff positioning.”

— Charles Lee, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets (realgm.com)

What’s next

The game will be a crucial test for both teams as they jockey for position in their respective conferences. Fans will be eager to see how the young Hornets squad fares against the veteran-led Suns.

The takeaway

The exclusive Peacock broadcast of this NBA matchup reflects the league's ongoing efforts to adapt to changing media consumption habits, with more games moving to streaming platforms. This game also showcases the evolving power dynamics in the NBA, with the Hornets emerging as a surprise contender and the Suns fighting to maintain their status as a Western Conference playoff team.