The Toronto Raptors owe a thank you to the In-Season Tournament and this week’s short-notice scheduling. There's never a less opportune time to encounter the Charlotte Hornets this season, and facing them at this moment in the latest NBA odds is particularly advantageous, especially with the unmistakable absence of their star point guard, LaMelo Ball.
Without Ball, any semblance of a Hornets’ threat disappears, particularly on offense. Finding that value keys our free NBA picks and predictions as we preview the Raptors vs. Hornets on December 8, with tip set for 7:00 ET.
Raptors vs Hornets odds
Raptors vs Hornets predictions
It is hard to believe how slow the Charlotte Hornets operate without LaMelo Ball, but it is a reality. With him, the Hornets boast an average of 101 possessions per game, ranking No. 8 in the league. In four games without him, that figure has plummeted to 94.65, a number that would be far and away the slowest in the league.
Some of that ties to sample size, with all four opponents ranking among the 12 slowest teams in the NBA. However, the Toronto Raptors rank No. 14, so this trend should continue for Charlotte.
In those four games, only scorching shooting propelled Charlotte to lofty scores against Brooklyn and Minnesota, hitting 21-of-36 from deep against the Nets and 12-of-25 against the Timberwolves.
Brooklyn, in particular, gives up a ton of 3-pointers, with opponents shooting from deep on 41.7% of their possessions. The Raptors rank No. 23 in that regard, giving up looks from beyond the arc on only 37.3% of possessions, and opponents hit at just a 36.1% clip.
The Hornets found a groove from deep against the Nets, but that was in part thanks to a flaw in Brooklyn’s defense. Toronto doesn’t have that same flaw, and it should thus shut down Charlotte’s offense sans Ball.
On Wednesday, the Hornets struggled to reach 100 points against a Bulls team that ranks just 21st in defensive rating. While they might crack 100 tonight, it's going to be some kind of sweat for Over bettors.
My best bet: Hornets team total Under 108.5 (-110 at PointsBet)
Raptors vs Hornets same-game parlay
Hornets team total Under 108.5
Scottie Barnes Under 8.5 rebounds
Dennis Schroder Under 6.5 assists
Considering the pace of play should be the defining characteristic of a game, it is only logical to find some player props Unders to enjoy. In this case, both Scottie Barnes' rebound prop and Dennis Schroder's assists prop feature plus-odds to the Under.
Five of Barnes’s last 10 games went Under tonight’s total, while Schroder has cashed Over 6.5 assists in three of his last eight. Frankly, grabbing plus-money value at this Under feels rather indulgent.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Raptors vs Hornets spread and Over/Under analysis
This spread opened with Toronto favored by 4 on Thursday afternoon, a number that rose to -4.5 by Friday morning and then continued up to -5.5 by lunchtime. The market may be leaning against Charlotte simply because of Ball’s continued absence.
The total saw a similar move, opening at 225 before falling to 222 on Friday morning. That kind of move fits in line with tonight’s expected pace.
Raptors vs Hornets betting trend to know
The Hornets are 1-3 both outright and against the spread without Ball, falling short of expectations by an average of 6.2 points in those three ATS losses. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Hornets.
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Raptors vs Hornets game info
| Location: | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC |
| Date: | Friday, December 8, 2023 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet, Bally Sports Southeast-CHA |
Raptors vs Hornets latest injuries
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