The Charlotte Hornets (6-16) and Toronto Raptors (15-8) meet Friday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Hornets vs. Raptors odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tied 1-1
The Hornets lost to the New York Knicks 119-104 Wednesday. They failed to cover as a 9-point road underdog and the Under (235.5) cashed. Despite limited team scoring, G LaMelo Ball still scored 34 points on 12-for-27 shooting. Charlotte has gone 2-2 over its last 4 games, a stretch following a 7-game losing streak. Over its last 11 games, it is 5-6 against the spread (ATS).
The Raptors fell 123-120 to the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by F Rui Hachimura. They failed to cover as a 2-point home favorite and the Over (228.5) hit. Toronto was led by F Scottie Barnes, who scored 23 points on 8-for-16 shooting. The Raptors have gone 1-3 over their last 4 contests. Prior to that stretch, they had won 9 in a row. They are 11-12 ATS on the season.
Charlotte and Toronto have split the season series, but the Hornets are 2-0 ATS. The Under is 2-0 as well.
Hornets at Raptors odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:50 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Hornets +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Raptors -300 (bet $300 to win $100)Against the spread: Hornets +7.5 (-115) | Raptors -7.5 (-105)Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)Hornets at Raptors key injuries
Hornets
G LaMelo Ball (wrist) probableC Ryan Kalkbrenner (ankle) questionableG Tre Mann (knee) questionableF Brandon Miller (shoulder) questionableG Collin Sexton (quad) outF Grant Williams (knee) out
Raptors
(Not yet submitted — below was for Thursday’s game)
G RJ Barrett (knee) outC Jakob Poeltl (back) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Hornets at Raptors picks and predictionsPrediction
Raptors 118, Hornets 113
PASS.
The Raptors (-300) should win and have been solid at home, but they are far too expensive to consider.
BET HORNETS +7.5 (-115).
The Hornets are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog, and their defense has improved tremendously over the past week. They have allowed 119 points or fewer in 4 straight games, suggesting they can limit the Raptors enough to keep this game close.
The Raptors are coming off a close, tiring battle against the Lakers, with 3 of their 5 starters logging at least 36 minutes. They should have tired legs. Additionally, Toronto has failed to cover in 5 straight games and is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games as a favorite. Take HORNETS +7.5 (-115).
BET OVER 228.5 (-115).
Both teams are in the middle of the pack in offensive rating (Charlotte 18th and Toronto 10th), but the Hornets’ defense will be the real factor, ranking 25th overall. The Hornets have allowed at least 116 points in 6 of their last 8 games. The Raptors have scored at least 120 in 2 straight games and have given up at least 116 in 4 consecutive contests.
Considering those trends, back OVER 228.5 (-115).
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