The Toronto Raptors (3-0) try to stay unbeaten when they take on the Charlotte Hornets (2-1) at Scotiabank Arena. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, October 22, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports Carolina.
Toronto is a 9.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 221 points.
Charlotte Hornets at Toronto Raptors ATS Prediction
The Hornets come in on a high note after barely hanging on to beat the Miami Heat in their last game, 113-112, as 3.5-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (225) were over the O/U total of 220. Charlotte’s 9.6 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Miami, who had a mark of 12.9. Charlotte was led by Kemba Walker, who was the top scorer from either team with 39 points on 14-for-31 shooting.
In the Raptors’ last matchup, they were victorious over the Washington Wizards, 117-113, despite being 2-point underdogs. The game’s total points (230) finished over the projected point total of 219.5. The Raptors had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 19.1) and had a better free throw rate (0.330 vs. 0.292). Kyle Lowry was Toronto’s leading scorer with 28 points on 10-for-21 shooting.
The sweet-shooting offense of Toronto will square off against the porous defense of Charlotte. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, the Raptors offense ranks fourth in effective field goal percentage (0.539), while the Charlotte defense ranks 22nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.531). The Raptors should have the edge on that end of the court. Moreover, the Hornets rank first in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.231), while the Raptors rank 25th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.213).
Since last season, the Hornets are 38-47 straight up (SU) and 38-44-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Charlotte games since last season with 45 overs compared to 40 unders.
The Raptors, meanwhile, have records of 62-23 SU and 50-43-2 ATS since last season. Toronto’s games have finished over the O/U total 53.7 percent of the time over that same time frame.
The Raptors won all four meetings against the Hornets last season. In the last contest, Toronto won 103-98. Toronto’s 0.494 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Charlotte, who had a rate of 0.406.
Charlotte Hornets at Toronto Raptors Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
When allowing less than 100 points, Charlotte is 14-3 and Toronto is 30-5.
When scoring over 100 points, the Hornets are 37-24 and the Raptors are 60-19.
Toronto ranks sixth in assists per game (24.0) while Charlotte ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (24.6).
The Raptors rank second in blocks per game (6.1) while the Hornets rank 20th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (10.7) while Toronto ranks 19th (13.0).
The Raptors rank fourth in three pointers attempted per game (32.3) while the Hornets rank 21st (27.7).
Toronto ranks 11th in fast break points per game (13.2) while Charlotte ranks 28th (9.4).
The Raptors rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (42.2) while the Hornets rank 21st (43.9).
Toronto averages 48.8 points in the paint per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Charlotte ranks 18th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.3).
The Raptors rank 22nd in steals per game (7.3) while the Hornets rank 28th (6.8).
Charlotte ranks third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.6) while Toronto ranks ninth (15.2).
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