Hornets vs Raptors NBA Predictions and Analysis 4/4

Kingpin
Apr 3, 2023, 10:49:55 PM

Game Preview: Raptors vs Hornets - NBA Picks and Predictions

It's another Eastern Conference showdown as the Toronto Raptors head to Charlotte to take on the Hornets. Both teams are fighting for playoff spots but are currently sitting outside the top 8 in the East. The Raptors have a better record but the Hornets are a tough team to beat at home. NBA picks experts and computers are split on this matchup, making it a tough one to call. However, NBA picks and parlay predictions for today favor the Raptors with the spread. The Raptors have been playing well recently, winning 7 of their last 10 games and averaging over 117 points per game during that stretch. The Hornets have struggled lately, losing 6 of their last 10 games and averaging just over 106 points per game. However, they are a solid defensive team and have a strong home record. The Raptors will need their top performers like Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet to step up in order to secure a win on the road. In terms of injuries, the Hornets are missing key players like LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward, while the Raptors are without Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. It will be interesting to see how both teams adjust their game plans without these players. Overall, this should be an exciting matchup between two hungry teams fighting for a playoff spot. NBA picks for today are leaning towards the Raptors, but this game could go either way.

Raptors: Offensive Analysis

The Toronto Raptors have been a mediocre offensive team this season, ranking 22nd in points per game with 113.1. Despite this, they have shown some strengths in their offensive game that could help them against the Charlotte Hornets. One area where the Raptors have excelled is in fastbreak points, ranking second in the league with an average of 17.8 per game. Led by OG Anunoby, who averages 3.8 fastbreak points per game, the Raptors could use their speed and agility to outrun the Hornets and score easy baskets in transition. In addition to their fastbreak game, the Raptors have also been effective in the paint, averaging 52.7 points per game. This could be a key factor against the Hornets, who rank 23rd in opponent points in the paint with 52.8. The Raptors' backcourt tandem of Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet has also been impressive lately, with Siakam averaging 24.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game and VanVleet averaging 23.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game over the past 10 games. Their scoring prowess could be crucial in helping the Raptors put up points against the Hornets. However, the Raptors do have some weaknesses in their offensive game, particularly in their shooting efficiency. They rank 28th in effective field goal percentage with 51.8% and 28th in three-point percentage with 33.6%. The Raptors will need to improve their shooting accuracy to keep up with the Hornets, who rank 18th in opponents' effective field goal percentage with 54.6%. Overall, the Raptors have shown some promising strengths on offense, particularly in their fastbreak game and ability to score in the paint. However, they will need to improve their shooting efficiency to keep up with the Hornets and come out with a win. Nba Picks experts, Nbapicksem predictions, NBA picks and parlay, NBA picks with spread, and NBA picks for today all suggest the Raptors have a decent chance to win.

Raptors: Defensive Analysis

The Toronto Raptors are entering their conference matchup against the Charlotte Hornets with a solid defensive record. They rank fifth in the league for opponent points per game, allowing just 111.7 on average. Additionally, they have a positive average score margin of 1.4, showing that their defense can keep them in games. One area where the Raptors excel defensively is in steals. They lead the league with an impressive 9.3 steals per game and have a steal percentage of 8.5%, which is the best in the NBA. This ability to disrupt opponents' offenses could be a key factor in stopping the Hornets from scoring fast break points, an area where they excel. The Raptors also have a strong inside presence, ranking second in the league with 5.2 blocks per game. This could pose a challenge for the Hornets, who rely on points in the paint and may struggle if they are unable to get the ball inside due to the Raptors' strong defense. Although the Raptors have a solid defensive record, their effective field goal percentage is a concern. They rank 28th in the league with an EFG% of just 51.8%, meaning that their offense may not be efficient enough to keep up with high-scoring opponents. Overall, the Raptors' defensive prowess could be a deciding factor in their matchup against the Hornets. If they can continue to disrupt their opponents and limit their scoring opportunities, they have a strong chance of coming out on top.

Hornets: Offense Analysis

The Charlotte Hornets have struggled offensively this season, ranking 27th in the league in points per game with an average of 111.2. However, they have been successful in other areas such as fast break points, ranking 6th in the league with an average of 15.5 points per game led by Terry Rozier averaging 3.3. P.J. Washington has also been a standout over the last 10 games, averaging 16.8 points per game. The Hornets will be facing the Toronto Raptors who have been effective in scoring fast break points, ranking second in the league with an average of 17.8 points per game led by OG Anunoby averaging 3.8. The Raptors won the last matchup between the two teams with a score of 128-108 on April 2 with Pascal Siakam scoring 36 points to help lead the Raptors to victory. In terms of shooting, the Hornets have struggled, ranking 28th in the league in effective field goal percentage with 51.6% and 29th in three-point percentage with 33.1%. Meanwhile, the Raptors rank 28th in the league in three-point percentage with 33.6%. Overall, the Hornets will need to improve their offensive performance if they hope to come out with a win against the Raptors. The Raptors have been effective defensively, ranking 5th in the league in points allowed per game with an average of 111.7. The Hornets will need to find ways to break through this defense and improve their shooting if they hope to find success on the offensive end.

Hornets: Defensive Analysis

As the Charlotte Hornets prepare to face off against the Toronto Raptors, their defense will need to step up to secure a win. The Hornets are currently ranked 14th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 26-53, while the Raptors are ranked 9th with a record of 39-39. Let's take a closer look at the Hornets' defensive stats and how they match up against the Raptors. The Hornets allow an average of 117.5 points per game, which ranks them 23rd in the league. In order to win, they will need to limit the Raptors' scoring opportunities and keep their opponents from hitting high point totals. Charlotte's defense also struggles with defending the fast break, allowing an average of 12.0 fast break points per game, which ranks them 3rd in the league. Limiting Toronto's transition game will be key for the Hornets to come out on top. In terms of rebounding, the Hornets are solid on the defensive end, ranking 7th in the league with 54.4 total rebounds allowed per game. They will need to use their size advantage to control the boards against the Raptors, who rank 19th in the league with 50.2 total rebounds per game. Charlotte's defense is strong in steals and blocks, averaging 7.8 steals per game (7th in the league) and 5.2 blocks per game (10th in the league). They will need to continue to disrupt Toronto's offense with their aggressive defense. Overall, the Hornets will need to rely on their defense to keep the Raptors in check and limit their scoring opportunities to come out with a victory. The key will be to focus on defending the fast break, controlling the boards, and being aggressive in creating turnovers. NBA picks experts and computer NBA picks predict the Raptors to win, but the Hornets have the potential to pull off an upset with a strong defensive performance.

Injury Report

The Hornets will be without LaMelo Ball for the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury, while Gordon Hayward, Kelly Oubre Jr., Terry Rozier, and P.J. Washington are all listed as day-to-day. Cody Martin is out with a knee injury, and Dennis Smith Jr. is dealing with a toe issue. On the other hand, the Raptors will be without Otto Porter Jr. for the rest of the season due to a foot injury, while Gary Trent Jr. is questionable with an elbow issue. Will Barton is also listed as day-to-day. Despite the injuries on both sides, both teams have managed to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference. It will be interesting to see how they adjust their game plans to overcome the absences of key players in this important matchup.

Betting Trends

Here is a look at the betting trends for both teams: - The Hornets are 14-36 against conference opponents. - Charlotte ranks sixth in the league with 15.5 fast break points per game led by Terry Rozier averaging 3.3. - The Raptors are 24-24 in Eastern Conference play. - Toronto ranks second in the NBA scoring 17.8 fast break points per game led by OG Anunoby averaging 3.8. - The Raptors won the last matchup 128-108 on April 2. Pascal Siakam scored 36 points to help lead the Raptors to the victory. - In the last 10 games, the Hornets are 4-6 and averaging 106.8 points while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.5 points per game. - In the last 10 games, the Raptors are 7-3 and averaging 117.6 points while shooting 48.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.2 points per game.