Game Details:
Matchup: Hornets (19-53) vs. Raptors (25-47)
Date & Time: Friday, March 28, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
Betting Line: Raptors -5.5 | Over/Under: 222.5

Key Storylines

Raptors Looking to Bounce Back at Home

Toronto enters Friday’s game as slight favorites against a struggling Hornets squad. The Raptors have dropped three of their last four games but have been more competitive at home, where they own a 15-21 record. With young talent continuing to grow, they’ll hope to capitalize on a winnable matchup and halt their recent skid.

Hornets in Rebuild Mode, Searching for Progress

The Hornets remain in the basement of the Eastern Conference but have shown flashes of promise from youngsters like Brandon Miller and Nick Smith Jr. However, inconsistency and poor road form (just 7-27 away from home) have plagued them throughout the season. They’ll try to steal one in Toronto before heading back home.

Season Series Recap

This will be the third and final meeting between the two teams. The Raptors have won both previous outings this season, including a 117-101 victory in Charlotte back in February. Toronto’s defense in those games proved to be a key difference, holding the Hornets to just 41% shooting across both matchups.

Injury Report

Charlotte Hornets:
Out: LaMelo Ball (ankle), Mark Williams (back), Cody Martin (knee)
Questionable: Bryce McGowens (hip)

Toronto Raptors:
Out: Jakob Poeltl (hand), Gradey Dick (hip), Ja’Kobe Walter (ankle)
Questionable: Immanuel Quickley (illness), Ochai Agbaji (ankle)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):
Hornets: 26-42 ATS
Raptors: 34-35 ATS

Over/Under Trends:
The total has gone over in 4 of Charlotte’s last 6 games
The total has gone under in 3 of Toronto’s last 5 games

Head-to-Head:
Toronto is 5-0 straight up and 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings with Charlotte.

Player Prop to Watch

Scottie Barnes (Raptors) – Points Total: 20.5
Barnes has been a steady hand for the Raptors and plays a central role with several veterans out. With scoring usage up, the over on his points prop is a tempting play.

Brandon Miller (Hornets) – Points Total: 18.5
The rookie is putting together a strong finish to the season and has scored 20+ in five of his last eight games. With LaMelo out, look for Miller to shoulder the offensive load.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Raptors -5.5 → Toronto has owned this matchup and should take care of business at home.

Total: Over 222.5 → With both teams lacking defensive intensity lately, a higher-scoring affair seems likely.

Player Prop: Scottie Barnes Over 20.5 points → He’s the Raptors’ go-to option and should lead them offensively once again.

While both teams are at the bottom of the standings, this is a matchup Toronto has consistently dominated. Expect the Raptors to extend their win streak over Charlotte and cover the spread at home.

Final Score Prediction: Raptors 115, Hornets 106