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With the NBA resuming regular-season action, the Charlotte Hornets will play their first home game following the All-Star break against the Toronto Raptors at Spectrum Center on Friday, February 25th.
With a 103-91 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves before the All-Star break, the Raptors improved to 32-25 and also snapped a two-game losing streak,
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets suffered a tough 111-117 2OT loss against the Miami Heat before the break. Following consecutive OT losses, the Hornets head into their clash with Toronto on a three-game slide.
Friday's game will be the third and final installment of the season series between the two teams. With the Raptors enjoying a 2-0 lead, the Hornets will attempt to get a win at home to prevent a series sweep.
Match Details
Fixture - Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets | 2021-22 NBA Season
Date & Time - Friday, February 25th, 2022; 7:00 PM ET (Saturday, February 26th, 2022; 5:30 AM IST)
Venue - Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Toronto Raptors Preview
Recording three wins in five prior to the break, the Raptors' record of 32-35 sees them safely occupying the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.
Their latest win against the Minnesota Timberwolves featured a particularly impressive performance by Gary Trent Jr., who recorded 30 points on the night. Paired with a solid outing by Pascal Siakam, the Raptors managed to manufacture a run early in the fourth quarter to take the lead and secure the win
Toronto also enjoyed some representation at the All-Star Game. Fred VanVleet earned his first All-Star selection this year, but had a quiet showing for Team LeBron. Unfortunately, following the break, VanVleet has been listed as questionable for the game against the Hornets.
Key Player - Pascal Siakam
A key player for the Toronto Raptors in their upcoming road fixture will be Pascal Siakam. Siakam wasn't selected as an All-Star reserve this season, which many consider to be a snub. What cannot be overlooked, however, is that the Raptors forward has been a driving force for the side this term.
Coming off a strong performance of 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in the win against the Timberwolves, Siakam was essential on both ends of the floor. Although opposition big Karl-Anthony Towns still managed to score 24 points, Siakam managed to contribute significantly towards the rebounding battle.
Registering a season average of 21.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, Pascal Siakam will be particularly important in this game against the Hornets. Considering his stellar average of 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against Charlotte this season, Siakam should be a major contributor in this matchup as well.
Toronto Raptors Predicted Lineup
G - Fred VanVleet | G - Gary Trent Jr. | F - OG Anunoby | F - Scottie Barnes | C - Pascal Siakam
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Charlotte Hornets Preview
The ninth-seeded Charlotte Hornets head into their first game following the All-Star break with a lot of negative momentum. Having lost their last three games, two of which were close OT losses, the Hornets now find themselves sliding down the Eastern Conference rankings.
The loss against the Miami Heat was particularly difficult. Featuring key performances from Miles Bridges and Montrezl Harrell, the Hornets managed to keep the game close.
Although the two Hornets players had solid performances, the rest of the team saw relatively limited contibution. With PJ Washington and LaMelo Ball being the only other noteworthy performers, Charlotte came up short in the final moments of the game.
Although the loss against Miami was a tough one, the Hornets may enjoy a slight boost in morale following Ball's performance at the All-Star Game.
Key Player - LaMelo Ball
A key player for the Charlotte Hornets in their upcoming home game will be LaMelo Ball. In his first All-Star Game appearance in only his sophomore season, Ball put on a show, scoring 18 points.
Ball has made it abundantly clear that he is one of the most talented young prospects in the league. With solid showings at the Rising Stars Challenge as well as the ASG, the young Hornets guard has been improving in leaps and bounds as he gradually emerges as the face of the franchise.
Although his display in the game against the Miami Heat was less than satisfactory, Ball may enjoy a boost as his confidence peaks after his ASG showcase.
Charlotte Hornets Predicted Lineup
G - LaMelo Ball | G - Terry Rozier | F - Miles Bridges | F - PJ Washington | C - Mason Plumlee
Raptors vs Hornets Match Predictions
The Toronto Raptors should emerge as the winners in this matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.
Although the Hornets will enjoy the advantage of playing at home, their seven-game losing streak at Spectrum Center prior to the All-Star break does raise some concerns.
Additionally, Charlotte also sees some key players out of the rotation due to injury. Considering their short rotation in general, the Hornets may struggle to find legitimate contributors to influence proceedings.
Where to watch Raptors vs Hornets game?
The Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets game will be locally broadcast on Bally Sports Southeast. The game will also be available on the NBA’s League Pass platform. Fans can listen to the game by tuning into WFNZ 610 AM/ 102.5 FM as well.
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