Gameday: Raptors @ Hornets, March 6

After a much-needed win against the Philadelphia 76ers and a much more impressive showing in a loss to the Cavs, the Raptors head to Charlotte to face the Hornets in desperate need of a win to keep pace in the race for the number 2 seed.

A Charlotte game for Raptors fans typically means two things: first, it’s going to be an oddly paced game. The Hornets play one of the least visually appealing styles in the league, largely due to personnel – with Kemba Walker sidelined, the Hornets are reliant on Al Jefferson, Mo Williams, and a bunch of non-scorers – and playing style. Charlotte is impeccably coached by Steve Clifford, who preaches stifling defence, often at the expense of offensive style. That’s seen in their league rankings above – the Hornets rank 8th defensively, but next to last in O-rating.

The second thing Raptor fans know to expect from Hornet games is that they’re likely to be closer than you’d expect, and potentially heartbreaking. Charlotte has, oddly, owned this matchup for the last couple years, complete with Kemba Walker backbreaking overtime shots and everything else you’d expect from a subpar team beating a superior one game after game. The Hornets won the first matchup this year 103-95, and these teams still play twice more after this – meaning this is a big game for the Raptors. That friendly schedule down the stretch doesn’t mean much if you can’t beat the teams in front of you, and a win for the Raptors here would solidify some confidence in the squad moving towards crunch time (and, god forbid, a playoff matchup).

Kemba Walker, of course, will not be suiting up for tonight’s game. It’s unlikely Kyle Lowry will either, though as of writing this that hasn’t been confirmed. In their place will be Greivis Vasquez and the surprising Williams, who has been rejuvenated since arriving from the Timberwolves. In defiance of Charlotte’s playing style, I expect the matchup at the point to be an all-offence/no-defence type of affair, and it’s quite possible both 1s could lead their team in scoring at the end of the game.

Likely, though, this game will all come down to execution on the part of the Raptors, who are a far more talented team. Charlotte has some excellent individual defenders, so ball movement, rather than the Raptors usual iso-heavy style, will be a key in getting – and keeping – a lead. I’ll take the Raptors by 3, though I wouldn’t be surprised if Charlotte snuck this one out. In either case, I have a feeling it’ll be an ugly one.