Charlotte Hornets vs Toronto Raptors Picks and Predictions October 30th 2024

Hornets vs Raptors October 30th 2024

At 7:00 ET, the 1-2 Charlotte Hornets (-262) will host the 1-3 Toronto Raptors (+217) in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Hornets are favored by 6.5 points (-6.5), and the over/under line is set at 223.5.

This game will be played at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte and can be seen on SN.

Raptors vs. Hornets Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Toronto Raptors at Charlotte Hornets
• Where: Charlotte at Spectrum Center
• Date: Wednesday, October 30th
• Betting Odds CHA -6.5, TOR +217 | CHA -262 O/U 223.5

The Raptors Can Win If…

The Raptors fell to 1-3 on the season after a 127-125 loss to the Nuggets on Monday. Toronto was a +8.5 point underdog at home but managed to keep the game close, losing by just two points.

Toronto led 88-83 going into the 4th quarter after a strong 2nd quarter, where they outscored Denver 32-25. However, the Nuggets rallied in the final period, outscoring the Raptors 31-26. The total points for the game finished at 252.5, well over the 223.5-point line.

In their 127-125 loss to the Nuggets, the Raptors shot 45% from the field and struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 10 threes at a 28.6% clip. Scottie Barnes led the way with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, while RJ Barrett added 20 points, including 4 in overtime.

Jakob Poeltl contributed 16 points and 19 rebounds, and Davion Mitchell also scored 16, with 5 points coming in the extra period. Gradey Dick added 9 of his 15 points in the 4th quarter.

Even with a solid 2nd quarter, the Raptors couldn’t contain the Nuggets, giving up 127 points on 49% shooting. Toronto allowed 31 points in the 4th quarter, which proved costly.

The Raptors did well from beyond the arc, holding Denver to 9 threes, but the Nuggets shot 45% from deep. Toronto also sent Denver to the line 30 times, where they hit 24 free throws.

• Toronto has a 0-3 record in their last three road games. In this stretch, they averaged 102 points per game while allowing 118. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-1.
• Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Raptors have a strong record vs the spread going 3-0. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-2.
• Over their last three games, the Raptors have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

The Hornets Can Win If…

Charlotte fell to 1-2 on the season after a 114-106 loss to the Heat on Saturday. Playing at home, the Hornets were +5.5 point underdogs and didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total of 220 points came in just under the O/U line of 223.5.

After a 23-23 tie in the 1st quarter, the Heat pulled ahead by winning the 2nd quarter 33-25 and the 3rd quarter 27-24. Charlotte made a push in the 4th, outscoring Miami 34-31, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the 83-72 deficit they faced going into the final period.

In their 127-125 loss to the Nuggets, the Raptors shot 45% from the field and made just 10 threes, connecting at a 28.6% rate. Scottie Barnes led the way with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, shooting 47.4% from the floor.

RJ Barrett added 20 points, including 4 in overtime, while Jakob Poeltl contributed 16 points and 19 rebounds. Gradey Dick scored 9 of his 15 points in the 4th quarter, and Davion Mitchell added 5 of his 16 points in the extra period.

Defensively, the Hornets had a strong 1st quarter, allowing just 23 points, but they struggled in the 2nd and 4th, giving up 33 and 31 points, respectively, leading to a 114-106 loss to the Heat. Overall, Charlotte allowed Miami to shoot 46% from the field.

The Hornets gave up 14 threes on 41% shooting and sent the Heat to the line 28 times, where they made 20 free throws. Charlotte recorded 31 defensive rebounds but allowed 13 offensive boards, while also tallying 6 steals and 5 blocks.

• Charlotte has played well in their previous three home games, going 2-1 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 116 points per game while allowing 113. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-0.
• In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Hornets have a straight up record of 2-1, while going 1-2 against the spread.
• In their last three games, the Hornets have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Not only do we have the Hornets winning this one by a score of 134-122, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Hornets at -6.5.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 223.5, and our model predicts the Raptors and Hornets to score a combined 256 points. We recommend betting on the over.

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Hornets vs. Raptors: Both Teams Seek Growth and Consistency for Upcoming Matchup

As the Charlotte Hornets prepare to host the Toronto Raptors, both teams are hungry for a win that could set the tone for their season. The Hornets have shown flashes of potential, playing in three close games, yet still lack the final push needed to close them out. Meanwhile, the Raptors, coming off a tough overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets, are equally determined to find their winning formula. Here’s a closer look at the challenges and opportunities for each team going into this Wednesday’s matchup.

Building Momentum for the Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have demonstrated that they can compete in close games, a promising sign for a team looking to improve its standing this season. Despite staying competitive, the Hornets have struggled to finish games strong. Coach Charles Lee acknowledges that finishing games will be the next step for his team: “We just had three great games that were close-game situations that we can learn from,” he said. Lee remains optimistic, emphasizing that the team will continue to learn from their experiences and refine their play in these situations.

One of the Hornets’ biggest challenges has been maintaining consistent offensive momentum. In their recent game against the Miami Heat, Charlotte suffered from streaky scoring periods, including a low 16-point first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks and a 14-point deficit in the third quarter against the Heat. A more reliable scoring rhythm will be essential for the Hornets to avoid falling behind and fighting to catch up late in games.

LaMelo Ball’s Key Role

LaMelo Ball has been the standout player for Charlotte, putting up an impressive 31.7 points per game over the last three games. His performance highlights his potential to lead the team offensively, but the Hornets need other players to step up to avoid over-relying on Ball. Charlotte’s offensive strategy leans heavily on mid-range scoring, with the team ranking fourth in both made and attempted 2-pointers per game. While effective at times, this approach could be limiting against teams with strong 3-point shooting and defense around the basket.

Tightening Up on Turnovers

Turnovers have plagued the Hornets, especially in their most recent game against Miami, where they committed 20. Coach Lee cited a mix of physical play and unforced errors, which underscores the need for more disciplined ball handling. “In transition, we can execute a little better and not be loose with the ball,” Lee said, noting that protecting possessions and minimizing errors in transition will be key to improving their offensive efficiency.

Raptors Look to Regroup After Close Loss

The Toronto Raptors, also with only one win this season, are coming off a 127-125 overtime loss to Denver. Despite a competitive showing, head coach Darko Rajakovic made it clear that moral victories aren’t enough. “I believe in winning. I thought we competed the right way, and we gave it all we had…Through games like this, we’re going to get better,” he said. His focus remains on cultivating a winning mindset, rather than just keeping games close.

Toronto’s offensive stats point to some potential weaknesses: the Raptors have one of the lowest 3-point production rates in the league, averaging only 9.5 made threes per game and attempting just 29.5. This may make them vulnerable if opponents prioritize strong interior defense, forcing the Raptors to take shots from a range they’re less comfortable with.

Embracing Defensive Intensity

To compensate for their limited 3-point shooting, the Raptors are doubling down on a high-intensity, disruptive defense, aiming to make things tough for opponents. Rajakovic sees defense as central to their strategy: “We need to be this type of team, disruptive and making it hard on our opponents.” This approach could be especially effective against a Hornets team struggling with ball control.

Rookie Watch: Tidjane Salaun’s Debut

Tidjane Salaun, the Hornets’ No. 6 draft pick out of France, recently made his debut, going scoreless in nine minutes but showing flashes of comfort on the court. Lee praised Salaun’s aggressiveness, noting that his willingness to take open shots reflects the fearlessness and competitiveness the team needs. As Salaun finds his footing, he could become a valuable rotational player who adds depth to the Hornets’ lineup.

Matchup Outlook

This will be the second home game for the Hornets this season and the second road game for the Raptors, with both teams seeking their first win in these settings. With both teams facing similar issues in consistency, ball control, and scoring rhythm, Wednesday’s game will likely come down to which team can execute under pressure and avoid costly mistakes in the final minutes.

As the Raptors bring their defensive intensity and the Hornets seek to maintain offensive momentum and tighten their ball handling, this game promises to be a closely contested battle between two teams eager to assert themselves early in the season.

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