After overcoming the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, the Toronto Raptors completed their fourth victory in their ongoing win streak. Now, sitting as the four seed in the East at 8-5, they will host the twelfth-seeded
Charlotte Hornets, hoping to remain in the winners’ column. This will be the first of three matchups in a three week span, with Toronto hosting the first and third, and travelling for the middle game. Seeing them so closely in succession could create a good opportunity for the Raps to continue to improve their record.
Last season, Toronto took 2 of the 3 matchups and 3 of the 4 the season before, boding well for them as they head into tonight.
It might not be as easy as Charlotte’s 4-9 record suggests though, as a lot of their losses came at the hands of tough teams like OKC, Minnesota, Philly, and LA. Led by LaMelo Ball who is averaging 22-7-10 and Miles Bridges with 22-7-4, the team is full of young guys who are still carving out their niche in the NBA. Rookies Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner have both already started 12 of the team’s 13 games this year. Averaging 17-6-3 and 10-7 respectively, both have received recognition as some of the best in this rookie class. Kon’s scoring has been his biggest asset, but he’s shown a high IQ and adaptability as well. Ryan’s defence and FG% have been his greatest strengths. Sexton, Diabate, and Mann, have all contributed as well. Brandon Miller, Josh Green, and Grant Williams’ absences are felt, as Charlotte’s bench is now arguably one of the weakest in the NBA.
Toronto on the other hand is really starting to gain momentum after a rough start to the season. Scottie is expected to have another big game as he continues to impress, now averaging 20-8-5. Ingram’s midrange game can be relied on, which will be invaluable against the rim protection of Kalkbrenner on the floor. Poeltl’s health continues to improve as well, adding another asset into the lineup, once again, making the bench longer.
This will be key for Toronto, as winning the bench minutes could be a difference maker in this game. While they’re undersized in comparison to Charlotte, especially at the guard position, their defensive pressure and ball movement will be crucial for them to get the advantage.
Another necessity will be control of the boards. Toronto sits in the bottom third of the league in rebounding, compared to Charlotte who sits 10th. The presence of a seven footer helps in that area, as does their youth, but limiting those second chance opportunities is something that has been make or break, especially in games Toronto has lost this season.
Where to Watch
Tune into Sportsnet at 7:30pm ET for all the action!
Starting Lineups
Toronto: Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl
Charlotte: Ryan Kalkbrenner, Lamelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Kon Knueppel, Sion James
Injury Report
Toronto: Ochai Agbaji (Questionable – Lumbar strain), Jamison Battle (Questionable – Right knee contusion), Chucky Hepburn (Out – G-League), Alijah Martin (Out – G-League)
Charlotte: Josh Green (Out – Left shoulder), Liam McNeeley (Out – Illness), Brandon Miller (Out – Left shoulder subluxation), Tidjane Salaun (Out – G-League), Grant Williams (Out – Right knee surgery)
