Raptors Host Hornets Looking For Third Straight Win

It’s Friday, March 28, and the Charlotte Hornets (18-54) are set to face off against the Toronto Raptors (26-47) at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. This matchup is particularly intriguing as it marks the second of three meetings between these two teams this season. The Hornets previously edged out the Raptors 138-133 on October 30, 2024, and both teams are looking to shift their fortunes as the season winds down.

The Hornets have struggled significantly this season, especially on the road, where they hold a dismal record of 7-28 and a point differential of -8. They enter this game having lost three straight contests and five of their last six. In contrast, the Raptors have managed to find some rhythm lately, winning two consecutive games after a rough patch of four straight losses.

The game is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST, and fans can catch all the action live. For those looking to place bets, the latest odds show the Hornets as underdogs at +194, while the Raptors are favored at -235. The spread is set at Raptors -5.5 with an over/under of 216 points, reflecting the low-scoring nature expected from both teams.

"Toronto is back on their feet with a few consecutive wins, while Charlotte is the opposite," said Vaughn Dalzell from NBC Sports Bet. He suggests taking the Raptors on the Moneyline but expressed caution about the point spread, indicating, "I couldn't lay the points or take the points with either side in this matchup." This sentiment reflects the unpredictable nature of both teams as they navigate through the final stretch of the season.

As for the recent performances, the Raptors have been solid at home, boasting a 4-6 record in their last ten games, and they are on a seven-game win streak against the Hornets at Scotiabank Arena. This home dominance is significant, with Toronto winning 15 of their last 18 home games against Charlotte. Furthermore, the Raptors are 23-14 against the spread (ATS) at home this season, showcasing their ability to perform well in front of their fans.

Recent trends indicate that 83% of the Raptors' last six games have stayed under the total points, which points towards a potential low-scoring affair given Charlotte's offensive struggles. The Hornets currently rank dead last in the NBA in offensive rating, averaging just 104.6 points per game since the All-Star break, and their effective field goal percentage is also among the lowest in the league.

"The Hornets don’t want to win," remarked an analyst, highlighting Charlotte's commitment to tanking for a better draft position. With LaMelo Ball sidelined, the team's scoring has taken a significant hit, making it challenging for them to compete effectively. This has led to the Hornets playing below their team total of 106.5 points in five of their last six games.

On the other hand, the Raptors have been impressive defensively, leading the NBA in defensive rating since the All-Star break. This defensive prowess could prove crucial in containing the Hornets' offense, which has struggled to find its footing without Ball. The Raptors have successfully held opponents below the 106.5 mark in five of their last nine games, suggesting they could stifle Charlotte's scoring efforts tonight.

Looking at player performances, Jakob Poeltl has been a standout for the Raptors, averaging 17.5 points per game over his last six outings. His efficiency on the court has made him a key player to watch, particularly against the Hornets' center Mark Williams. Meanwhile, Miles Bridges, who has been underwhelming lately, averages just 15.2 points over his last six games, failing to score more than 21 during that stretch.

As the matchup approaches, predictions from analysts vary. Schuyler Callihan believes the Hornets could pull off an upset with a predicted score of 110-105, citing the Raptors' injury woes with players like RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, and Brandon Ingram potentially sidelined. However, Zachary Roberts and Ian Black are less optimistic about Charlotte's chances, predicting scores of 112-106 and 104-97 in favor of the Raptors, respectively.

With both teams in desperate need of a win for different reasons—Charlotte for lottery positioning and Toronto for a shot at a respectable finish—the stakes are high as they prepare to clash tonight. The Raptors will look to capitalize on their home advantage and recent form, while the Hornets will aim to snap their losing streak and prove they can compete despite their challenges.

As the game unfolds, fans will be eager to see if the Raptors can continue their winning ways or if the Hornets can muster a performance that defies expectations. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting night of NBA action!