The Toronto Raptors (3-0), 9.5-point favorites, look to remain unbeaten when they square off against the Charlotte Hornets (2-1) at Scotiabank Arena. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 221 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports Carolina at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, October 22, 2018.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last outing. The Raptors (2-point underdogs) defeated the Washington Wizards 117-113, while the Hornets (3.5-point underdog) beat the Miami Heat 113-112. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Toronto game finished 10.5 points over the projected point total of 219.5, while the Charlotte game finished 5 points over the projected point total of 220.
The Hornets had a better turnover percentage (9.6 vs. 12.9) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.527 vs. 0.522). The Raptors, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 19.1) and had a better free throw rate (0.330 vs. 0.292). Toronto received a boost from Kyle Lowry, who recorded 28 points and 12 assists. Meanwhile, Kemba Walker led the way for Charlotte, contributing 39 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Toronto figures to have a considerable edge. Since the 2017-18 season, the Raptors offense ranks fourth in that metric at 0.539, while the Charlotte defense ranks 22nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.531). Additionally, the Hornets have been among the league’s elite at getting to the line, ranking first in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.231). The Raptors, meanhwile, rank 25th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.213).
The Hornets are 38-47 straight up (SU) and 38-44-3 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Vegas has been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Charlotte games since last season with 45 overs compared to 40 unders.
The Raptors, on the other hand, are 62-23 SU and 50-43-2 ATS since last season. Just over half of Toronto’s games have finished over the projected point total over that same time frame.
The Raptors dominated this series last year, winning all four games. In the last contest, Toronto won 103-98. Toronto’s 0.494 effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Charlotte, who had a rate of 0.406.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Toronto Raptors ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Raptors rank 22nd in steals per game (7.3) while the Hornets rank 28th (6.8).
- Toronto averages 24.0 assists per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Charlotte ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (24.6).
- 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).
- Toronto averages 48.8 points in the paint per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Charlotte ranks 18th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.3).
- The Raptors average 6.1 blocks per game, which ranks second in the league. The Hornets rank 20th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
- The Raptors rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (42.2) while the Hornets rank 21st (43.9).
- Charlotte ranks third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.6) while Toronto ranks ninth (15.2).
- Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (10.7) while Toronto ranks 19th (13.0).
- In games where they allow under 100 points, Toronto is 30-5 and Charlotte is 14-3.
- The Hornets are 37-24 when they score more than 100 points, while the Raptors are 60-19.
