The Toronto Raptors (2-8) limp back to their 2020-21 home court following a 1-3 Western Conference road trip to host the Charlotte Hornets (6-6) Thursday at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. Tip-off will be at 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Hornets-Raptors NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
The Raptors’ road swing ended with back-to-back single-point losses. They were topped 106-105 by the Golden State Warriors Sunday and 112-111 by the Portland Trail Blazers Monday in the second half of the back-to-back. They dropped their last home game against the Boston Celtics 126-114 Jan. 4.
The Hornets are coming off a 104-93 Wednesday loss to the Dallas Mavericks. They had previously won four in a row with two at home and two on the road. Toronto beat Charlotte twice in the preseason by scores of 111-100 and 112-109.
Hornets at Raptors: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Hornets +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Raptors -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Hornets +9.5 (-120) | Raptors -9.5 (+100)
- Over/Under: 219.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Hornets at Raptors: Key Injuries
Hornets
- SF Gordon Hayward (hip) questionable
- C Cody Zeller (hand) out
Raptors
None affecting betting lines.
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Hornets at Raptors: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Raptors 114, Hornets 102
Money line (ML)
The Raptors (-400) will get right Thursday but we can’t justify laying -400 on a 2-8 team, or any team. They nearly pulled off a fourth-quarter comeback against the Warriors but blew a big fourth-quarter lead against the Blazers. A return to their artificial home court and an Eastern Conference opponent that began the season with much lower expectations will serve them well.
Charlotte is 2-1 in the second half of back-to-backs this year but the Raptors are well-rested and the potential absence of Hayward would be a big loss for the Hornets.
PASS and look to the spread.
Against the spread (ATS)
The RAPTORS -9.5 (+100) should be backed to win by at least 10 points. Toronto has the guards to match up well against Charlotte’s trio of Terry Rozier, Devonte’ Graham and LaMelo Ball, and the continued absence of Zeller will leave space for Raptors PF Pascal Siakam and C Chris Boucher in the paint.
Toronto is eighth in the NBA in steals and Charlotte is just 17th in turnover percentage. The Raptors commit more fouls than all but one team, but the Hornets rank just 25th in team free-throw percentage, so Toronto won’t be penalized as badly as it was late in the games against the Warriors and Blazers.
Over/Under (O/U)
The Raptors’ defense has been the most disappointing area of their game this season but a two-day rest and a tired opponent should see a more spirited effort, especially if Hayward needs to sit out. The Hornets are just 3-9 against the Over/Under and fall an average of 7.7 points per game below the line with 107 PPG scored and allowed.
The Raptors rely too heavily on 3-pointers and the Hornets are fourth in the league in 3-point defense.
Take the UNDER 219.5 (-110).
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- James Borrego says it’s best for LaMelo Ball to come off the bench early in season (Lonzo Wire)
- Art of the smokescreen: The thought process behind execs and agents leaking info (Hoops Hype)
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