The Charlotte Hornets (15-24) host the Toronto Raptors (24-13) Wednesday at Spectrum Center for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Raptors-Hornets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
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Raptors at Hornets: Key Injuries
Raptors
- PG Fred VanVleet (hamstring) out
- PF Dewan Hernandez (ankle) out
- PF Pascal Siakam (groin) out
- C Marc Gasol (hamstring) out
- SG Norman Powell (shoulder) out
Hornets
- PF Marvin Williams (face) questionable
Raptors at Hornets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 8:35 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Hornets 114, Raptors 101
Moneyline (ML)
The HORNETS (+135) are in a great spot as home underdogs and are a very strong pick at plus-money. The Raptors’ (-161) roster is depleted by injuries and they’ll now play the second half of a back-to-back following Tuesday’s 101-99 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers – also as favorites.
Charlotte lost 115-104 to the Indiana Pacers Monday. The Hornets had previously won back-to-back games after breaking out of a six-game losing streak. Toronto won the first meeting of the year 132-96 Nov. 18, but they had much closer to a full roster.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the underdog Hornets to win outright returns a profit of $13.50.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The HORNETS (+2.5, +105) are still getting plus-money with 2 points of insurance in the event of a loss and it makes for a good secondary play. The Raptors (-2.5, -125) are 21-16 against the spread overall but just 9-8 on the road. The Hornets are 19-20 ATS overall and 8-11 on home court.
The Raptors led for much of their game Tuesday against the Blazers, but the thin roster faded late while giving way to the Portland comeback. Expect this to be the trend for the reigning champs for the next little while until some healthy bodies are able to return to the floor.
Over/Under (O/U)
Back the OVER 205.5 (-125) with the belief the Hornets will handle the bulk of the scoring against the tired Raptors. Charlotte has been held below 100 points in just one of their last six games. The Raptors have been held below that number in three of their last five outings. VanVleet led the team in scoring in two of those five games.
Esten’s NBA betting record: 126-97
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