Game Preview: Charlotte Hornets at Toronto Raptors

The Hornets look to bounce after worst loss in Hornets history on Saturday.

Author:
Austin Leake
Dec 18, 2023 3:01 PM EST

In this story:

INJURY REPORT:

HORNETS: PROBABLE: Terry Rozier (Thumb), QUESTIONABLE - Gordon Hayward (Stomach Virus), PJ Washington (Shoulder), DOUBTFUL - Mark Williams (Back ), OUT - LaMelo Ball (Ankle), Cody Martin (Knee), Frank Ntilikina (Tibia)

RAPTORS: OUT - Christian Koloko (Illness)

GAME PREVIEW:

The Hornets are coming into this game after losing by a franchise record 53 points to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Hornets have lost their last four games in a row, including six out of their last seven games.

The Raptors are coming off of a 125-104 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at home in front of their home fans and have lost their last seven out of nine games.

The Hornets and Raptors faced off once this season, where the Hornets were able to hold on with a 119-116 win at home. Charlotte had four 20-point scorers in that game with Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward, and Terry Rozier all eclipsing that mark.

The Hornets have had dealt with an injury riddled season once again, so it's been hard for them to get any form of consistency or rhythm with guys in and out of the lineup. The Hornets could be without five of their key players with Rozier, Washington, Williams, Hayward, and Ball all of the possibility of not playing.

You can also throw in Miles Bridges who has been reportedly denied entry into Canada. The team is, however, working on getting him cleared to play tonight’s game. Bridges previously tweeted out last night, "got denied in the 6" and has since deleted the tweet. Bridges' status will certainly be something to monitor over the next couple of hours.

For the Raptors, they're completely healthy and sit in 10th place of the Eastern Conference. The Hornets are just 2.5 games back from the Raptors, so this is an important game for both teams.

One of the standouts for the Raptors has been Scottie Barnes, who's had his best season of his three year career. Scottie Barnes is averaging 20.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists this season, while shooting 48.7% from the field. Barnes played well in the first matchup with the Hornets this season where he recorded a 30-point triple-double.

KEY MATCHUP: Hornets bench vs Toronto bench

The Hornets bench has been one of the weakest areas of the team this season and that's going to have to change if they want to turn it around. The last time these two teams faced off, the Hornets were able to escape with a win. The reason for that is because the Hornets bench scored 28 points. If the Hornets want to compete tonight even while shorthanded, then they will have to have guys step up off the bench.

Starting Fives
Position	Hornets	Raptors
Point Guard	Terry Rozier	Dennis Schroder
Shooting Guard	Brandon Miller	O.G. Anunoby
Small Forward	Gordon Hayward	Scottie Barnes
Power Forward	Miles Bridges	Pascal Siakam
Center	Nich Richards	Jakob Poetl