The Raptors will look to complete the two-game, back-to-back sweep over the Hornets tonight at 7 p.m. ET at the Spectrum Center. Toronto currently leads the season series 3-0 after defeating Charlotte 128-108 on Sunday. Pascal Siakam was among five Raptors in double-figures, posting a game-high 36 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Meanwhile, Svi Mykhailiuk led the Hornets with 26 points (10-17 FG, 5-9 3pt), five assists, and four rebounds.
Toronto (39-39) has won four of its past five games, helping it clinch a spot in the play-in tourney. The Raptors are currently the ninth seed in the East but share a 39-39 record with the Hawks, who currently occupy the eighth seed. Toronto is also two games behind the Heat for the seventh seed. The Raptors should be able to take care of business against the Hornets, who are missing multiple starters and playing out the string to see if they can improve their lottery odds to win the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes.
Can the Raptors complete the two-game sweep tonight and jump ahead of the Hawks for the No. 8 seed in the East? Below, we'll break down this matchup while giving our prediction and best bets for basketball fans looking to win some cash.
Raptors vs. Hornets odds, picks, predictions
- Spread: Toronto -13.5 (-125); Charlotte +13.5 (+105)
- Over/Under: 223.5
- Moneyline: Raptors -1000; Hornets +650
The books might be trying to get some action on Hornets, as you can take spread for plus-money. However, bettors might want to stay clear of Charlotte, who have six players listed as out, Dennis Smith Jr. listed as "questionable" and rookie center Mark Williams listed as "doubtful." If those two guys don't play, we could see JT Thor, Theo Maledon, Svi Mykhailiuk, Bryce McGowens, and Nick Richards in the starting lineup.
This season, the Hornets are 11-18 against the spread as home underdogs and 11-8-1 ATS when they are double-digit underdogs. As for the Raptors, they have a few players on the injury report (O.G. Anunoby -- ankle sprain, Precious Achiuwa -- illness, and Gary Trent Jr. -- back spasms), but that should not deter or stop the Raptors from winning tonight. Toronto still has Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Jakob Poeltl, who can shoulder the offensive load. The Raptors are 3-11 ATS as a road favorite this season but 5-2 ATS when they are listed as double-digit favorites. Since there's no value in betting the money line tonight, bettors should take the Raptors and the points.
Best Bet: Raptors -13.5
Best player prop bet for Raptors vs. Hornets: Pascal Siakam to have a double-double (+115)
Since there isn't much to pick from player prop-wise for this game, we will take a chance on Siakam's double-double prop, which is sitting at plus money. In his past 10 games, the All-Star forward is producing 23.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. Additionally, the veteran forward has recorded a double-double in five out of those 10 contests. The only way Siakam doesn't get another double-double is if we have a blowout early.
