UPDATE: The Toronto Raptors are set to face the Charlotte Hornets tonight at 6 PM EST in Charlotte, North Carolina, striving for their 10th consecutive victory. With a current record of 14-5, the Raptors aim to maintain momentum against the struggling Hornets, who sit at 5-14.
This matchup is crucial as Toronto seeks to extend its impressive nine-game win streak. The Raptors have dominated the Eastern Conference, holding the second position and boasting a stellar 13-2 conference record. Meanwhile, the Hornets have faltered, recording a 4-9 mark in conference play, making this game a must-win for them.
The Raptors are entering this game with a formidable shooting percentage of 49.6% from the field, while Charlotte’s opponents have shot 50.3% against them this season. Notably, the Raptors rank sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 37.0% success rate from beyond the arc. The Hornets, on the other hand, average 14.2 made 3-pointers per game, significantly outpacing the 11.9 allowed by Toronto.
In their previous encounter on November 18, the Raptors narrowly defeated the Hornets 110-108, with standout performances from Brandon Ingram, who scored 27 points. The Raptors will look to replicate that success as they take the court later today.
Key players to watch include Kon Knueppel for the Hornets, who is shooting 46.9% and averaging 18.3 points per game, and Brandon Miller, who has been on fire, averaging 27.0 points over his last ten games. For Toronto, Immanuel Quickley is contributing 15.5 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Ingram has been a force, averaging 26.0 points and 8.0 rebounds during the same stretch.
Injury updates are also critical, with the Hornets dealing with several day-to-day injuries, including Grant Williams (ACL), Pat Connaughton (calf), and Josh Green (shoulder). The Raptors will be without RJ Barrett (knee), a significant blow to their lineup.
As the game approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating whether the Raptors can secure another victory and inch closer to a double-digit win streak. This matchup promises to be an electrifying clash, and with both teams needing the win for different reasons, all eyes will be on Charlotte tonight.
Stay tuned for live updates and highlights as the action unfolds.
