Who's Playing
Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs. Charlotte Hornets
Records: Raptors (8-4), Hornets (6-7)
Where to Watch
Date: Nov. 18
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: Sportsnet ONE
Location: Scotiabank Arena Toronto, Ontario
Game Preview
Home sweet home.
After a long Western Conference road trip the Raptors are finally back at Scotiabank Arena to take on the visiting Charlotte Hornets.
The Raptors finished the western swing at 3-2 and considering the fact that they lost Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka to injury — many are looking at it as a massive success.
MORE: What we learned about the Toronto Raptors during their early season five-game road trip
The bench stepped up in a major way away from the friendly confines of Jurassic Park. Chris Boucher, Norman Powell and even Rondae Hollis-Jefferson all had positive moments on the trip and built some playing time equity with head coach Nick Nurse.
On paper, Charlotte presents as a team the Raptors shouldn't have too many problems with, but the Hornets have been playing good basketball to start the season. Although Kemba Walker is no longer in the fold, second-year guard Devonte' Graham has been a pleasant surprise for the young Hornets.
In 13 games this year, Graham is averaging 18.8 points, 7.1 assists shooting 41.4% from three on 8.5 attempts per game. Graham had been coming off the bench for the Hornets through the first 10 games of the year but started each of the last three games over which he averaged 22.0 points per game.
The combination of Graham and Terry Rozier will look to put pressure of the thin Raptors' backcourt.
Some CanCon to be aware of with the Hornets in town: former National Team Head Coach Jay Triano and current National Team assistant Coach Nate Mitchell are both on the Hornets coaching staff. A lot is made of the increase in numbers on the court for Canada — Canadian coaching numbers have increased over the last couple of seasons. Triano and Mitchell represent both the new and old school of the growing group.
Injury Report
Raptors Serge Ibaka, Kyle Lowry and Patrick McCaw are listed as OUT.
Game Notes
- The Raptors are one of five NBA teams to remain undefeated at home this season, joining Utah (6-0), Boston (5-0), Miami (5-0) and Philadelphia (4-0).
- Toronto has won five of the last seven games vs. the Hornets with both of those losses coming in the last two meetings.
- Raps only play five of their 13 games in November at Scotiabank
- Raptors currently lead the NBA averaging 21.7 fast-break points through 12 games played the Bucks are second at 18.7
- Raptors rank second in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage (.399) trailing only Detroit (.405). Toronto also ranks second in the league in percentage of points from three-pointers 38.5% behind the Houston 39.7%.
Last Time They Played
Date: April 5, 2019
Score: Hornets 113, Raptors 111
Raptors: Kawhi Leonard — 29 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Hornets: Kemba Walker — 29 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds
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