Charlotte Hornets vs Toronto Raptors 1/25/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream

Charlotte Hornets vs Toronto Raptors Matchup Preview (1/25/21)

LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets (26-21) will travel internationally to face the Toronto Raptors (22-22) Tuesday night. The streaking Hornets have won 7 of their past 9 games, but they enter Tuesday’s contest on a low note. In their last game, the Hornets were embarrassed by the Hawks 113-91. As a team, the Hornets shot 4/36 (11.1%) from deep and committed 16 turnovers. Terry Rozier, a good shooter, scored 7 points on 2/14 from the field. It was a tough game overall, but they will look to put it in the past with a strong performance against the Raptors. Gordon Hayward is a game time decision, but his presence would add another scorer and playmaker to the offense. Hayward is averaging 17.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 3.7 APG on the season while playing solid defense. If Hayward is unable to play, then forward Cody Martin would get the start in his place. Martin is a good role player, but he cannot replace Hayward’s offensive production. 

The Raptors were red-hot at the end of December and the start of January by winning 6 games in a row. However, they have gone 2-5 since then and just lost to the Trail Blazers 114-105. Pascal Siakam dominated with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, but it was not enough as the Blazers shot 52.9% from the field and 56.2% from three. The Raptors sit at a .500 record while being in the play-in games. For a team with Gary Trent Jr, Scottie Barnes, and OG Anunoby, their offense (12th in Offensive Rating) has surprisingly been better than their defense (18th in Defensive Rating). The Raptors will need to focus on defense in this matchup against a Hornets team with the 6th best Offensive Rating. Backup big man Khem Birch is expected to be out for this matchup, but the Raptors have quality centers on the bench in Chris Boucher and Precious Achiuwa. 

Charlotte Hornets vs Toronto Raptors Betting Odds

The Hornets and Raptors have not played yet this season. This game can go either way, but I like the Hornets to bounce back offensively and defeat the Raptors. Even if Gordon Hayward does not play, the Hornets have a variety of offensive weapons that can score at all levels. If Hayward plays, I like the Hornets to cover up to -5.5. If Hayward does not play, I would only bet up to -2.5 Hornets for the spread since the teams are well-matched. The matchup is a possible preview of the play-in games, and the outcome could have a drastic effect on the final seeding in the Eastern Conference.

TV Schedule

Date: 1/25/22
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Arena: Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON
Channel: NBA League Pass

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Charlotte Hornets Starting Lineup

PG: LaMelo Ball
SG: Terry Rozier
SF: Gordon Hayward
PF: Miles Bridges
C: Mason Plumlee

Charlotte Hornets Analysis

The Hornets have seen a meteoric rise from forward Miles Bridges this season. He has improved his scoring from 12.7 PPG to 20.1 PPG while also producing career highs in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Bridges has a tough game coming against the Raptors, however, since their strength is their defensive wing duo of Barnes and Anunoby. Hayward’s return to the court would take defensive pressure off of Bridges because the Raptors have to stick to Hayward, a 39.7% shooter from deep. Hayward is also a secondary playmaker, so Bridges can focus on scoring while not worrying about creating for teammates.

If the Hornets want to rebound from their lackluster performance against the Hawks, they will have to cut down their turnovers, especially against a Raptors team that is 3rd in steals (9.3 SPG). They are usually a careful team who only turn the ball over 13.1 times per game, good 6th in NBA. The Hornets are 2nd in the NBA in assist to turnover ratio at a sparkling 2.07 ratio. LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier are dynamic ball handlers with elite handles, so the Hornets should feel confident in their ability to limit future turnovers. 

Toronto Raptors Starting Lineup

PG: Fred VanVleet
SG: Gary Trent Jr.
SF: Scottie Barnes
PF: OG Anunoby
C: Pascal Siakam

Toronto Raptors Analysis

In addition to the Raptors needing Barnes and Anunoby to limit Bridges and potentially Hayward, the team will rely on VanVleet and Trent Jr to pace their scoring. LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier complement each other perfectly on offense and allow the Hornets to score at warp speed. Fred VanVleet (21.7 PPG) and Gary Trent Jr (16.2 PPG) are both capable of erupting on offense at any given moment. VanVleet is also the main playmaker and ball handler along with his scoring duties. He averages 7.0 APG, which slots him at 13th in the NBA. His dual-threat offense will aid the Raptors to keep up with the high-flying Hornets offense. 

The X factor for the Raptors in this matchup is Pascal Siakam. The Hornets weakness is their center position; Mason Plumlee is over-matched at times and is more of a role player than a good starting center. Siakam can exploit Plumlee with his speed and length in the paint. If Siakam, who is scoring 21.2 PPG, uses his offensive arsenal to shred Mason Plumlee, then the Raptors should feel optimistic about their winning chances.  

Charlotte Hornets vs Toronto Raptors Daily Fantasy Picks

For this matchup, I am picking LaMelo Ball and Pascal Siakam. Ball is a constant triple-double threat who will have constant touches, especially with Bridges being hounded by both Barnes and Anunoby. Pascal Siakam, meanwhile, will see the ball often with Plumlee guarding him. Siakam has been scorching opponents by producing 20+ points in 7 of his last 8 games. Look for LaMelo Ball and Pascal Siakam to both have excellent all-around games for their respective teams. Kelly Oubre Jr is a wildcard pick that can hold value. He has scored 30+ points three times this season, so his cheaper price tag is enticing considering the points he can provide.