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Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
Charlotte continues to give Toronto problems. The Hornets erased a 17-point deficit last weekend and beat the Raptors 118-111 in overtime. They erased a double-digit hole in their earlier trip to Toronto as well, falling 110-108. Now they arrive with an extra day of rest while the Raptors come off a 123-120 loss to the Lakers on Thursday.
Toronto’s eight-game home winning streak ended on Rui Hachimura’s buzzer-beater. Scottie Barnes had 23 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists and handled the LeBron James assignment throughout. Jakob Poeltl should return after back soreness held him out Thursday. Sandro Mamukelashvili filled in with strong energy and rim protection.
Charlotte continues its road trip after a 119-104 loss at New York. Injuries remain the central obstacle. Collin Sexton is out. Brandon Miller, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Tre Mann are questionable. LaMelo Ball carried them against the Knicks with 34 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
For extended context on this matchup and others, review the updated NBA previews page.
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Line Movement and Odds
Toronto opened -7.5 and moved to -8.5, driven by the back-to-back scheduling edge favoring Charlotte but countered by heavy Raptors support at home. The Hornets sit +8.5 with most tickets but fewer dollars.
The total opened 230 and rose to 231.5. Market sentiment favors points, but sharp action has leaned under due to Charlotte’s injuries and Toronto’s improved half-court defense.
Track adjustments on the live NBA odds board.
Matchup Breakdown
Charlotte’s path relies on pace and LaMelo Ball’s creation. They rank top-10 in made threes and have one of the league’s strongest free-throw profiles. Without Sexton and uncertain availability for Miller and Kalkbrenner, they lack secondary scoring. Ball’s shotmaking keeps games competitive, but the Hornets struggle with defensive rebounding and slow starts.
Toronto continues to rise behind Barnes’ two-way consistency. The Raptors shoot efficiently, ranking top-10 in field goal and effective field goal percentage. Their defense at home has tightened, and Poeltl’s return restores verticality and screen structure. The second unit has been productive, offering tempo and aggressive on-ball pressure.
Find more betting breakdowns on today’s slate in the updated NBA picks section.
Injuries and Conditions
Toronto Raptors
- Jakob Poeltl, back, expected to return
- Marcus Sasser, ankle, day-to-day
- Ochai Agbaji, illness, questionable
See full Toronto Raptors injury report.
Charlotte Hornets
- Collin Sexton, quad, out
- Brandon Miller, shoulder, questionable
- Ryan Kalkbrenner, ankle, questionable
- Tre Mann, knee, questionable
See full Charlotte Hornets injury report. Indoor game, no weather factors.
Best Bets and Prediction
Toronto’s defensive edge, Charlotte’s injury load and the Raptors’ efficiency at home point toward a controlled win. The Hornets can score in bursts behind Ball, but sustained output is harder without secondary creators.
Projected Score: Raptors 120, Hornets 110
Best Bet: Raptors -8.5
Secondary Lean: Under 231.5
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