Hornets Look for Revenge Against Raptors

The Hornets look to get revenge on the Raptors in the second game following a 128-108 loss on Sunday.

Author:
Austin Leake
Apr 4, 2023 2:43 PM EDT

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INJURY REPORT:

HORNETS: DOUBTFUL: Mark Williams (Ankle), QUESTIONABLE: Dennis Smith Jr (Toe), OUT: LaMelo Ball (Ankle), Kelly Oubre Jr (Shoulder), Gordon Hayward (Thumb), Terry Rozier (Foot), Cody Martin (Knee), and PJ Washington (Foot)

RAPTORS: PROBABLE: Will Barton (Ankle), QUESTIONABLE: Gary Trent Jr (Back), O.G. Anunoby (Ankle), OUT: Otto Porter Jr (Foot)

GAME PREVIEW: The Hornets take on the Raptors for the second matchup of their two-game head-to-head meeting. The Hornets are still without a majority of their key players and that will most likely be the case for the rest of the season with just three games remaining. Svi Mykhailiuk has had to take a much more prominent role due to the injuries on the Hornets squad. So far, Svi has done a good job handling the load, as he's averaging 20.0 points per game, along with 6.0 assists and 3.7 rebounds in the past three games. The Hornets are looking to avoid getting swept on the season, as they're 0-3 against the Raptors.

The Raptors are still pushing to get into the 8th seed, which is very important. Currently, they sit in the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference and if they were to stay there, they would have to win twice to advance into the playoffs. However, if they were able to put themselves into the 8th seed, then they would essentially have two chances to make the playoffs, instead of just one. It's a very tight race with the Raptors tied with the Hawks for the 8th seed, while the Bulls who sit 10th, are just one game back. Every game matters for the Raptors and they most definitely can't afford to fall to an injury-battered Hornets team.

O.G. Anunoby turned his ankle late in the fourth quarter in Sunday's win over the Hornets and it is not likely that he will play. O.G. poured in 23 points in that game on 5-6 shooting from three-point range.

What to Watch for: James Bouknight's Resurgence

James Bouknight has been one of the players that have taken advantage of his opportunity thus far. In his last two games, he has achieved 20 or more points, which is the first time he's ever achieved two consecutive 20+ point performances in his career. During the last two games, Bouknight's shooting splits have been extremely impressive. Bouknight is shooting 55.6% from the field and an astounding 61.1% from three. Bouknight tallied more than five three in each of the last two games. In order for the Hornets to keep this one close, they're going to need a similar performance from the 22-year-old.