The Toronto Raptors will face the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night as both teams battle for key standings in the Eastern Conference. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and can be watched live on TSN1/4, TSN.ca, and the TSN App.
Raptors vs. Hornets Matchup Preview
The Raptors enter the game with a record of 22-15 and are looking to extend their winning streak after back-to-back victories against the Atlanta Hawks. Toronto is positioned just 1.5 games behind the New York Knicks for third place in the Eastern Conference.
In their recent 118-100 win over Atlanta, rookie Collin Murray-Boyles stepped into a starting role, replacing the injured Jakob Poeltl. He delivered an impressive performance with 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, contributing significantly to the team’s efforts.
Key Player Performances
- Scottie Barnes: Recorded his 18th double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
- Collin Murray-Boyles: Achieved 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
- Team Performance: Seven Raptors players scored in double digits, underscoring a balanced offensive strategy.
Scottie Barnes emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “We’re just playing the right way, being in the right spots.” His recognition of the entire team’s contributions reflects their collaborative success during this homestand, which concluded with a 4-1 record.
Hornets’ Recent Success
The Charlotte Hornets, with a record of 13-23, are currently striving for improvement in the standings. They recently secured a surprising win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, defeating the league leaders 124-97. This victory marked the first time this season that the Hornets held an opponent under 100 points.
Standout Players for Charlotte
- Brandon Miller: Scored 28 points in the win against the Thunder.
- Kon Knueppel: Contributed significantly with 23 points on an efficient 61.5% shooting.
The Hornets are 3.0 games behind the final play-in position for the playoffs and are eager to build on their recent momentum when they take on the Raptors.
Injury Reports
Toronto’s injury report highlights Jakob Poeltl, who will be unavailable for the eighth consecutive game due to a lower back injury. However, he has been recently cleared for contact, which suggests a potential return is on the horizon.
For the Hornets, Mason Plumlee (groin) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) will also miss the game, joining Grant Williams (ACL) on the sidelines.
As the Raptors seek victory over the Hornets, both teams will look to leverage their strengths and capitalize on the opposing team’s weaknesses in this exciting Eastern Conference clash.
