The host Toronto Raptors will be out to avenge a loss to the Charlotte Hornets earlier this month when the teams convene for a rematch Monday night.
Toronto’s Scottie Barnes had a triple-double at Charlotte with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, but the Hornets prevailed 119-116 with Gordon Hayward scoring 24 points.
But the Hornets have now dropped four in a row after they were humbled 135-82 at home to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.
The Raptors have dropped five of six after their 125-104 home loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. The Raptors split a pair against the Hawks to open a four-game homestand.
Charlotte’s loss by a 53-point margin Saturday night was the worst in franchise history.
The Hornets were without several players against the 76ers. Hayward (illness) did not play and Terry Rozier left the game during the third quarter and did not return after being struck on the nose.
Entering the game against Philadelphia, the Hornets also were without LaMelo Ball (ankle), Mark Williams (back) P.J. Washington and Cody Martin (knee).
Clifford said that the Hornets must try not to fall too far back until the injured players return.
The Raptors were outscored by 18 points from 3-point range in the loss to the Hawks. The Raptors hit only 14 of 25 free-throw attempts. The Hawks also had a 16-3 advantage in offensive rebounds.
The Raptors shot 51.9 percent from the field despite going 10-for-31 on 3-point attempts. Barnes led the Raptors with 23 points, four rebounds and eight assists, but was 4-for-8 from on free throws. Pascal Siakam scored 33 points against the Hawks on Wednesday but had only 15 Friday.
