The Toronto Raptors will try to hand the Charlotte Hornets their ninth straight loss tonight at Spectrum Center.
The Raptors won the last meeting against the Hornets, 114-99 on Dec. 18.
While both teams are embarking on rebuilds, they each possess promising young talent. This could result in some great individual performances.
However, Charlotte will be without LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, Mark Williams and Frank Ntilikina. As a result the Raptors are a 7.5 point favorite, but Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges have been on offensive heaters as of late.
For the Raptors, Jontay Porter is now listed out with a back injury and Gary Trent Jr. will suit up as he was dealing with a back injury as well.
After a lackluster blowout against the New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto looks to bounce back. While winning is not necessarily the top priority, a loss to a struggling Hornets team would not be ideal.
The No. 2 overall pick Miller is coming off an impressive 33-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. Plus Bridges scored a game-high 41 points on 16-for-26 from the field and 5-for-10 from three-point range.
Scottie Barnes and assumingely Bruce Brown will draw the assignments of the two Hornets. Shutting off the water for Miller and Bridges is a big key to this game due to other scoring options being sidelined.
It is easy for the Raptors to underestimate Charlotte, but focus has to be on point when the game tips off. Plus Toronto’s offense needs to flourish as the Hornets allow 120.3 points a contest.
In addition to the trade deadline concluding Thursday afternoon, this may be the last time this iteration of the Raptors takes the floor as more moves may be looming.
Toronto Raptors (17-33) vs. Charlotte Hornets (10-39)
7:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: TSN
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: Gary Trent Jr.
SF: R.J. Barrett
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Dennis Schroder, Gradey Dick, Jordan Nwora
Projected Hornets Starting Lineup:
PG: Cody Martin
SG: Brandon Miller
SF: Leaky Black
PF: Miles Bridges
C: Nick Richards
Key Reserves: P.J. Washington, Nick Smith Jr., Bryce McGowens
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