Charlotte Hornets vs. Toronto Raptors Preview: Raptors Hold onto Number Two Spot Versus Sixth-Seeded Hornets
The Toronto Raptors will be looking to further improve their record as they take on the contending Charlotte Hornets, next.
The third game for the season between the two teams will be held on Tuesday, April 5th, at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
The Raptors and Hornets hold a victory apiece over each other, so far. The latter drew first blood in their initial encounter last December 17th in Charlotte, ending the night with a final score of 109-99 in overtime.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Guard Jeremy Lin was the star of the night for Charlotte, dropping 35 points, along with five rebounds and four assists, shooting 13 out of 22 from the field, through 47 minutes of playing time. Point guard Kemba Walker also contributed significant numbers, as he finished the game with 27 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks, shooting 10 out of 24 from the field, through 44 minutes of playing time.
The Raptors bounced back big time in their second game on New Year's Day, finishing the contest with a final score of 104-94. Shooting guard DeMar DeRozan ended the night with 23 points and two blocks, shooting 7 out of 18 from the field, through 36 minutes of playing time.
Point guard Kyle Lowry, also made an impact, scoring 18 points, along with six rebounds, 11 assists, and two steals, shooting 6 out of 16 from the field, through 41 minutes of playing time.
The Hornets are expecting more of a complete line-up coming into the game, as they have been plagued with injuries in the first two outings. Guard Nicolas Batum will now be suiting up, after missing the first game.
And for head coach Steve Clifford, the main priority is to have one of his most prized wards 100% healthy, particularly for the playoffs.
"It's not the time of year to be messing with it. I don't think it will be anything long term, but we need him healthy," Clifford said in an NBA.com report. "The priority will be him getting back to 100 percent before he plays again."
The Raptors currently hold a record of 51-25, while the Hornets hold a win-loss slate of 44-32.
