The Charlotte Hornets (18-18) host the Toronto Raptors (17-20) Saturday at Spectrum Center. Tip-off will be shortly after 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Raptors-Hornets odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
The Hornets and Raptors are sixth and eighth, respectively, in the Eastern Conference. Toronto’s vying for a spot in the conference’s postseason play-in tournament, while rising Charlotte is looking for a secured playoff berth. The Raptors won both head-to-head meetings in mid-January by scores of 111-108 and 116-113.
The Raptors took a 121-120 loss against the Atlanta Hawks Thursday. It was their third straight loss sandwiching the All-Star break. The Hornets topped the Detroit Pistons 105-102 Thursday.
Raptors at Hornets: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Raptors +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Hornets -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Raptors +2.5 (-110) | Hornets -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 233.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Raptors at Hornets: Key injuries
Raptors
- SF OG Anunoby (health and safety protocols) out
- SG Malachi Flynn (health and safety protocols) out
- PF Pascal Siakam (health and safety protocols) out
- SG Fred VanVleet (health and safety protocols) out
Hornets
- None affecting the betting odds.
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Raptors at Hornets: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Hornets 121, Raptors 116
Money line (ML)
The HORNETS (-140) are the play to the hand undermanned Raptors a fourth straight loss. The return of Toronto head coach Nick Nurse helped them keep it closer than expected against Atlanta Thursday, but Charlotte has better depth and top-end talent.
Toronto is missing 48 and 47 points from each of its first two wins over Charlotte this season. Hornets rookie PG LaMelo Ball also wasn’t yet in the starting lineup for those contests. He’s averaging 19.8 points per game with 6.8 assists and 6.1 rebounds while starting each of Charlotte’s last 16 games.
The Raptors won’t have an answer defensively with top defenders Anunoby and Siakam still out of the lineup.
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Against the spread (ATS)
The Raptors shot .459 from 3-point range in Thursday’s game against the Hawks and were able to keep it close. The Hornets are second-to-last in both 3-point attempts allowed and opponent 3-pointers made per game while ranking 23rd in opponent 3-point percentage; however, they’re seventh in the Association with a .384 percentage from behind the arc as a team.
Back the HORNETS -2.5 (-110) to win by at least 3 points, as they’ll be able to outscore the shorthanded Raps in a chuck-off.
Over/Under (O/U)
Following suit of the above, back the OVER 233.5 (-115) with both teams being willing to rely on 3-point shooting Saturday.
The Raptors have played to the Over in five straight games, including with a shortened bench in each of their last three games. The Hornets hit the Over in six straight games prior to the All-Star break and playing to the Under with the Pistons.
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Also see:
- Draymond Green admits he was wrong about Ball (Lonzo Wire)
- Trade rumor rankings (Hoops Hype)
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