The Toronto Raptors head south to face the Charlotte Hornets in an Eastern Conference matchup that pits a surging playoff contender against a rebuilding squad looking to build momentum at home. With Toronto riding a hot streak and Charlotte coming off an impressive upset, this game could offer value for bettors and fans alike. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all key aspects.
Venue Location
The game will be played at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. This 19,077-seat arena has been the Hornets’ home since 2005 and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially when Charlotte pulls off upsets against stronger teams.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast nationally on regional sports networks, with streaming options available via NBA League Pass.
These records reflect Toronto’s solid positioning for a playoff spot, while Charlotte continues to struggle in the standings but has shown flashes of competitiveness.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams enter with positive momentum from their most recent outings, but Toronto has been more consistent overall.
Toronto Raptors: The Raptors are 6-4 in their last 10 games and have won 4 of their last 5, including a convincing 118-100 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. This marks their second win over Atlanta in a three-day span, showcasing improved shooting and defense. Offensively, they’ve averaged 114.5 points per game (23rd in the league) with a net rating of +2.2. Their recent surge includes strong third-quarter performances (30.8 PPG, 5th in NBA).
Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets are 5-5 in their last 10 games and 6-5 over their last 11, capped by a stunning 124-97 road upset over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (30-7) on Monday. This win closed a three-game road trip with back-to-back victories, highlighted by 51.1% three-point shooting (19-for-37). Charlotte has averaged 116.1 points per game (18th in NBA) but ranks poorly defensively (117.9 points allowed, 24th).
| Team | Last 10 Games | Last Game Result | Key Stat from Recent Form |
| Toronto Raptors | 6-4 | W 118-100 vs. ATL | 4-1 SU in last 5; UNDER in 9 of last 12 |
| Charlotte Hornets | 5-5 | W 124-97 @ OKC | 7-1 ATS in last 8; 6-5 in last 11 |
Injury Report
Injuries could play a significant role, particularly in the frontcourt for both teams.
Toronto Raptors:
Jakob Poeltl (C): Day-to-day (low back strain) – A key rim protector; his absence could hurt Toronto’s rebounding (43.4 RPG, 20th in NBA).
Charlotte Hornets:
Mason Plumlee (C): Day-to-day (right groin strain) – Backup big man; limited impact but adds depth.
Grant Williams (PF): Day-to-day (torn ACL) – Likely out longer-term despite day-to-day label; major loss for spacing and defense.
Tidjane Salaun (PF): Day-to-day (left ankle sprain) – Rookie contributor; affects bench versatility.
Ryan Kalkbrenner (C): Day-to-day (left elbow sprain) – Impacts interior defense and rebounding (Hornets allow 40.4 RPG, 3rd-best).
No other major injuries reported, but monitor updates close to tip-off as day-to-day statuses could shift.
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles, especially in scoring and perimeter defense.
Brandon Ingram (TOR) vs. Brandon Miller (CHA): Ingram leads Toronto with 22.2 PPG and has been hot from deep (9-of-14 on threes in last three games). However, he struggled in Charlotte last month (7 points on 3-of-13 shooting). Miller (CHA’s rising star) countered with 28 points and 7-of-10 threes in their last win, making this a key wing matchup.
Scottie Barnes (TOR) vs. Miles Bridges (CHA): Barnes dominates for Toronto with 8.6 RPG, facing Bridges (20.1 PPG team lead), who exploded for 35 points in their November OT win. Bridges’ athleticism could test Toronto’s defense (112.3 defensive rating, 5th in NBA).
Immanuel Quickley (TOR) vs. LaMelo Ball (CHA): Quickley (6.2 APG) runs Toronto’s offense (29.4 APG, 4th in league) against Ball (7.9 APG), who hit four threes in the Thunder upset. Ball’s playmaking could exploit Toronto’s turnover forcing (15.0 per game, 7th).
Collin Murray-Boyles (TOR) vs. Moussa Diabaté (CHA): Murray-Boyles (17 points on 8-of-10 vs. ATL) brings efficiency inside, while Diabaté (8.2 RPG) anchors Charlotte’s rebounding edge (44.7 RPG, 11th).
Other notables: Hornets’ Kon Knueppel (five threes vs. OKC) could stretch the floor against Toronto’s strong perimeter D (34.2% opponent 3PT%, 3rd).
Series History
The Hornets hold the edge this season, winning both prior meetings: a 114-110 overtime thriller at home on November 29 (led by Bridges’ 35 points) and a December 5 victory. However, Toronto has dominated longer-term, going 10-4 SU in the last 14 games and 6-4 SU in the last 10 head-to-heads (4-6 ATS, 4-6 O/U). In those 10 games, Toronto averaged 113.8 PPG to Charlotte’s 110.9, with better FG% (47.9% vs. 46.7%) and rebounding (45.6 vs. 41.9).
Betting Trends
Toronto: 4-1 ATS and SU in last 5 games; 18-19 ATS overall (10-7 ATS away); UNDER in 9 of last 12 games and 7 of last 8 road games; 5-1 ATS vs. Southeast Division; 10-4 SU in last 14 vs. Charlotte.
Charlotte: 7-1 ATS in last 8 games; 21-15 ATS overall (10-7 ATS home); UNDER in 14 of last 20 games but OVER in 4 of last 5 home games; 5-15 SU vs. Atlantic Division; UNDER in 4 of last 5 vs. Toronto.
| Category | Toronto | Charlotte |
| ATS Overall | 18-19 | 21-15 |
| ATS Last 10 | 6-4 | 8-2 |
| O/U Overall | 14-23 | 14-22 |
| O/U Last 10 | 3-7 | 5-5 |
Game Odds
Toronto Raptors -2.5
Charlotte Hornets 230.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026
