The Toronto Raptors visit the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, January 7, with tipoff at 7:00 p.m. ET at Spectrum Center. Toronto holds a 22-15 record on a two-game winning streak, while Charlotte sits at 13-23, riding back-to-back victories.
Toronto will be without center Jakob Poeltl, sidelined with a lower back strain, along with Mo Bamba, Chucky Hepburn, A.J. Lawson, and Alijah Martin due to G League assignments or team absence. Poeltl averages 9.7 points and 7.7 rebounds, making his absence significant for interior defense and rebounding.
The Raptors rely on Brandon Ingram (22.2 points, 6.1 rebounds), Scottie Barnes (19.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists), and RJ Barrett (19.2 points) to carry the scoring load. Immanuel Quickley adds 16.2 points and 6.2 assists, while Sandro Mamukelashvili provides 10.5 points off the bench.
Charlotte’s frontcourt is limited, with Mason Plumlee and Grant Williams out due to surgery. Ryan Kalkbrenner is sidelined with a left elbow sprain, while Tidjane Salaun is questionable with a left ankle sprain. Moussa Diabate is listed as probable, and Brandon Miller could return after a left knee contusion.
Miles Bridges remains probable for the Hornets and will be key for scoring and defensive versatility, contributing 20.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. LaMelo Ball averages 19.7 points and 7.9 assists, while Kon Knueppel adds 19.5 points and 3.5 assists.
Charlotte has won two straight games, defeating Oklahoma City 124-97 and Chicago 112-99. Toronto’s recent wins came against Atlanta, 134-117 and 118-100.
This season’s series is split, with Charlotte winning two of the three prior matchups, including an overtime 118-111 victory at Toronto and a 111-86 win at home. Toronto’s narrow 110-108 win on November 17 remains their only success in the season series.
