The Toronto Raptors will seek their tenth consecutive victory as they face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday at 18:00 EST in Charlotte, North Carolina. Currently holding a record of 14-5, the Raptors sit second in the Eastern Conference, while the Hornets, with a record of 5-14, find themselves in 12th place.
The Raptors look to sustain their impressive nine-game win streak against a Hornets squad that has struggled, particularly in conference matchups, with a record of 4-9. In contrast, Toronto boasts a strong 13-2 record in conference play. The Raptors rank sixth in the Eastern Conference with a three-point shooting percentage of 37.0%.
When comparing team averages, the Hornets have managed 14.2 made three-pointers per game, which is 2.3 more than the 11.9 that the Raptors allow. Despite this, Toronto outperforms Charlotte in field goal percentage, shooting 49.6% from the field compared to the 50.3% opponents have achieved against the Hornets this season.
Recent Matchup and Key Players
This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season. In their first encounter on November 18, 2023, the Raptors narrowly edged out the Hornets with a score of 110-108, with Brandon Ingram contributing 27 points to the victory.
Key players to watch include Kon Knueppel for the Hornets, who is shooting 46.9% and averaging 18.3 points per game. Brandon Miller has also found his rhythm, averaging 27.0 points over the last ten games. For the Raptors, Immanuel Quickley is contributing 15.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Ingram continues to be a standout, averaging 26.0 points and 8.0 rebounds during the same span.
Team Performance and Injury Updates
In their last ten games, the Hornets have struggled, posting a 2-8 record. They average 112.8 points, 42.6 rebounds, and 24.9 assists per game while shooting 44.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.3 points, indicating defensive challenges.
In contrast, the Raptors have enjoyed success with a 9-1 record in their last ten games. They average 119.1 points, 43.0 rebounds, and 29.6 assists per game, shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.6 points, showcasing a solid defensive performance.
In terms of injuries, the Hornets will be missing Grant Williams, Pat Connaughton, and Josh Green, all listed as day-to-day. The Raptors will be without RJ Barrett, who is out due to a knee issue.
As the Raptors prepare for this matchup, both teams will be looking to solidify their positions as the season progresses. The Raptors aim to extend their winning streak, while the Hornets hope to turn their fortunes around on their home court.