The Toronto Raptors are gearing up to welcome the Charlotte Hornets at home following a challenging five-game road trip. As the Raptors prepare for this matchup, insights from Charlotte Hornets contributor James Plowright provide a deeper understanding of their next opponent.
This season, the Hornets have seen significant improvements compared to the previous year, particularly in terms of ball-handling options. With the addition of Collin Sexton and Kon Knueppel to the roster, as well as the return of Tre Mann, who missed a considerable portion of last season, Charlotte’s offense has found more stability. Last year, the Hornets struggled with one of the worst offensive ratings in the league; this year, they are showing resilience thanks to these new contributors.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, a rookie center drafted in the second round, has emerged as a vital player for the Hornets. Recently becoming a father, Kalkbrenner has been instrumental in bolstering the team’s defense, currently ranking third in the NBA for blocks. This will be crucial, as he faces the Raptors’ strong offensive presence in the paint, especially to counteract the scoring threats from players like Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes.
LaMelo Ball has returned to the Hornets lineup after a brief absence and was placed on a minutes restriction during his comeback against Milwaukee. Although his shooting wasn’t particularly efficient, Ball’s impact was felt, as the Hornets outscored the Bucks by eleven points during his time on the court. As he continues to get back to form, he is expected to remain on a minutes restriction for the next few games.
For the Hornets to secure a victory against the Raptors, they will need to excel in two critical areas: 3-point shooting and offensive rebounding. Charlotte’s offensive strategy hinges significantly on these components working together. If they can capitalize on offensive rebounds to create opportunities for open 3-pointers, they may have a chance to upset the Raptors.
However, predicting the outcome may not favor Charlotte, as many analysts anticipate a 125-116 victory for Toronto. The Raptors’ aggressive ball pressure poses challenges for the Hornets, who have previously struggled with turnovers, and their defensive capabilities are not as strong. Missing player Brandon Miller further complicates Charlotte’s chances in this matchup.
The game is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena. Fans can catch the action live on TSN Sports or stream it on NBA League Pass for those outside the local area. The matchup provides an exciting opportunity for the Raptors to extend their winning streak while the Hornets aim to prove their emerging strengths.