This Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena, the Charlotte Hornets and the Toronto Raptors will play each other for the second time this season. The first game was a victory for the Raptors, 132-120.
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The Charlotte Hornets, who have won just 11 games this season, face a difficult choice: either make a push for the playoffs now or liquidate their assets in the hopes of a good draft lottery draw and a fresh start. The Hornets’ loss to the Raptors (132-120) on Tuesday night was their fifth in six games.
LaMelo Ball scored 24 points in 38 minutes of action as the Hornets fell 132-120 to the Raptors on Tuesday. He also had 4 rebounds and 14 assists.
Ball has been extremely productive and consistent since returning from an ankle injury in the middle of December. In 15 games, he has averaged 23.9 points, 8.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 4.4 three-pointers, and 1.2 steals while scoring in double figures 14 times. As the 11-31 Hornets prepare for the draft lottery, the backcourt duo of Ball and Terry Rozier has been a bright spot.
Hornets injuries: Gordon Hayward is doubtful but likely out for Thursday and Kelly Oubre remains out.
The Toronto Raptors beat the Charlotte Hornets at home, securing a crucial victory. The Raptors know they need to make a push leading up to the all-star break if they want to be a part of the Eastern Conference’s crowded playoff picture. The Raptors defeated the Hornets 132-120 on Thursday night thanks to a strong performance on the offensive glass.
Gary Trent Jr. scored 24 points on Tuesday against the Hornets (6-14 from the field, 4-10 from deep, 8-8 from the free throw line) while also contributing 2 boards, 1 helper, 1 block, and 2 steals in 31 minutes of action.
Trent has been on fire ever since he was put back into the starting lineup six games ago, averaging 26.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 threes, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 assists on 40.0 percent (22-for-55) shooting from deep. Trent’s name has surfaced frequently in trade rumors as the Raptors have been running out of time to turn their season around, and the fifth-year guard’s value appears to be at its peak at the right time if the team does decide to move him.
Raptors Injuries: F Otto Porter Jr. out indefinitely.
