The Toronto Raptors will travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets on Wednesday night at Spectrum Center.
Toronto is coming off a heartbreaking loss against the Denver Nuggets. They fought hard but fell short in overtime 127-125. However, that wasn’t the biggest loss for the Raptors as Scottie Barnes left the game after being inadvertently elbowed in the face by Nikola Jokic. Now it’s been reported that Barnes has been diagnosed with a right orbital fracture and will miss at least three weeks of action.
The Raptors will also be without Kelly Olynyk (back) and Bruce Brown (knee). Immanuel Quickley (pelvic) is doubtful and Ja’Kobe Walter (shoulder) has been assigned to Raptors 905.
As for the Hornets they will be without Brandon Miller (left glute) and Mark Williams (foot).
The Raptors will have to learn how to win without their top player in Barnes for the next few weeks. It’s a big blow for a team that has the league’s toughest early-season schedule.
However, this is a good opportunity for the younger players to continue to develop. With Barnes out of the lineup, expect Ochai Agbaji to get the start. He has been impressive to begin the season, hitting 45.5 percent of his threes.
Gradey Dick will also need to deliver. The sophomore player is having a nice start to his season and with Barnes out of the lineup, there will be more touches for him.
RJ Barrett returned against the Nuggets last game and did not miss a beat. The Canadian scored 20 points in his return and nearly had the game-winning three. The Raptors will need an aggressive Barrett if they want to pick up the win in Charlotte.
Toronto Raptors (1-3) vs. Charlotte Hornets (1-2)
7:30 p.m. EST, Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Davion Mitchell
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Ochai Agbaji
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Chris Boucher, Jamal Shead, Jonathan Mogbo
Projected Hornets Starting Lineup:
PG: LaMelo Ball
SG: Seth Curry
SF: Cody Martin
PF: Miles Bridges
C: Nick Richards
Key Reserves: Tre Mann, Grant Williams, Vasilije Micic
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