Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction, Preview and Team News (Nov 29)
Calendar icon Published 28 Nov 19:53

Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction, Preview and Team News (Nov 29)

Juan Pablo Aravena Juan Pablo Aravena

Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets Preview

Toronto Raptors Team News

The Raptors are absolutely on fire right now, and Darko Rajaković is putting himself squarely in the Coach of the Year conversation with one of the season’s most remarkable turnarounds. After going just 25-57 and 30-52 in his first two campaigns, the Serbian tactician has Toronto playing like legitimate contenders with a 13-5 record and second place in the Eastern Conference.

The Raptors have won 11 of their last 12 encounters, including an eight-game winning streak that ties for the third-longest in the entire NBA this season. The transformation has been absolutely stunning. They’re running the fastest-paced offence in the league, averaging 22.2 fastbreak points per game, and their defensive intensity has completely flipped the script from last season’s struggles.

Brandon Ingram has been everything the Raptors hoped for when they acquired him. He just dropped a season-high 37 points against Cleveland on Monday, and he’s averaging 20.9 points per game while giving Toronto a legitimate closer they’d desperately needed for years. Scottie Barnes continues his ascent toward All-Star consideration, posting 19.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while playing elite defence. He’s the only player in the league with 25+ blocks and 25+ steals this season.

Immanuel Quickley has been brilliant running the offence, and the Raptors’ starting lineup has found incredible chemistry. They’re a top-10 squad in offensive, defensive, and net ratings – a complete team in every sense. The depth has been remarkable too, with Ja’Kobe Walter, Gradey Dick, and Sandro Mamukelashvili all stepping up when called upon.

The one concern is RJ Barrett’s sprained right knee. He left the Brooklyn game midway through the third quarter, and while it’s not expected to be long-term, his status for Saturday is uncertain. Barrett has been averaging 20 points per encounter and provides a crucial scoring punch off the dribble.

Charlotte Hornets Team News

The Hornets are in an absolute freefall, and first-year head coach Charles Lee is facing the harsh reality of NBA rebuilding. Charlotte sit at 4-13 and have lost seven straight games, including a brutal 129-101 beatdown by the Knicks on Wednesday night. The optimism that surrounded this young roster heading into the season has completely evaporated.

LaMelo Ball’s situation has become a major storyline. The franchise point guard has battled injuries all season, missing six games already with a right ankle impingement. When he has played, the efficiency has been concerning – just 38.5% from the field and 29.8% from three-point range on 21.6 points per encounter. Those numbers are significantly below his career averages, and questions about his future in Charlotte are starting to surface.

The one bright spot has been rookie Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick from Duke. He’s averaging a remarkable 19.4 points per game through 17 games and has led the team in scoring in each of their last four contests. Knueppel has made 63 three-pointers already – far ahead of any other rookie and fourth-most in the entire league. NBA legend Reggie Miller has even compared him to Stephen Curry based on his early shooting prowess.

Miles Bridges is putting up career-high scoring numbers at 22.1 points per game, but the efficiency is alarming. He’s shooting just 42.2% from the field, the worst mark of his career, and Lee’s continued reliance on Bridges in crunch time has frustrated fans, given his inconsistent shot selection. Brandon Miller returned from a 13-game shoulder injury absence but is still finding his rhythm.

Charles Lee’s coaching decisions have come under scrutiny. His after-timeout plays have been ineffective, his substitution patterns questionable, and the defensive schemes haven’t translated from his successful assistant coaching stints with Milwaukee and Boston. The Hornets rank 24th in defensive rating and are allowing 120.4 points per game.

Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets Main Game Info

Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction, Odds

This matchup is a classic case of unstoppable force meets movable object. Toronto already beat Charlotte 110-108 on November 17, and that game was closer than it should have been. Now, with the Raptors even more dialled in and the Hornets’ confidence completely shattered after seven straight losses, the gap should be significantly wider.

The dynamics heavily favour Toronto. Charlotte’s defence, ranked 24th in the league, simply doesn’t have the personnel to slow down the Raptors’ multifaceted attack. Barnes can post up smaller defenders, Ingram operates in the mid-range with surgical precision, and Quickley picks apart pick-and-roll coverage.

LaMelo Ball’s efficiency struggles (38.5% FG, 29.8% from three) mean he can’t carry the offence the way he has in past seasons. Without consistent production from their franchise player, the Hornets lack the firepower to keep pace.

Even if RJ Barrett sits with his knee injury, Toronto have the depth to absorb the loss. Charlotte desperately need Ball, Miller, and Bridges all playing at high levels just to be competitive, and right now, none of them are. The psychological edge matters enormously. The Raptors come in with eight straight wins, while Charlotte are mentally fragile after seven consecutive losses.

Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets Betting Tip

The spread here has solid value for a Raptors team that should absolutely steamroll a reeling Hornets squad. Toronto have won by double digits in 11 of their 13 victories this season, and Charlotte are broken after seven straight losses.

The pace factor is critical. The Raptors lead the NBA in fastbreak points at 22.2 per game, while Charlotte rank dead last at just 12.1. Every Hornets miss or turnover becomes a transition opportunity for Toronto’s athletes. Those easy buckets will pile up quickly against a defence ranked 24th in the league.

Charlotte’s allowing 120.4 points per game, and against the Raptors’ balanced attack, where multiple players can beat you, they’ll be completely overwhelmed. The rookie Knueppel has been impressive, but he can’t carry a comeback against this Raptors team. Look for Toronto to build a comfortable lead by halftime and cruise to a double-digit victory.

The over is the sharp play here, driven by Toronto’s offensive firepower and Charlotte’s defensive ineptitude. The Raptors are averaging 118.4 points during their hot stretch with incredible balance, and against the Hornets’ 24th-ranked defence, they should easily exceed that number.

Charlotte still average 116.2 points per game despite their struggles. Ball, Knueppel (63 made threes, leading all rookies), and Bridges will put up points through sheer volume. Even in losses, the Hornets have been scoring; they’ve hit triple digits in their most recent outings.

The Raptors’ transition game pushes this over the top. They average an NBA-best 22.2 fastbreak points per encounter, and Charlotte’s inability to get back defensively creates numerous easy scoring opportunities. The previous meeting hit 218 points in a more grinding game; this one should be higher scoring with both teams well-rested. Look for a final around 122-107, comfortably clearing the total.

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