Hornets vs. Raptors picks and odds: Back Charlotte to cover the spread

The Toronto Raptors host the Charlotte Hornets in the first leg of a two-game mini-series starting Tuesday night.

The Raptors are favourites against the Hornets. Charlotte won the last game against Portland Trail Blazers.

Toronto is 1-5 against the spread in its last six games following a win. Charlotte has covered the 7.5-point spread five of the last seven games. The Hornets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 138-109 two games ago. Toronto is averaging 110.7 points over its past 15 games, while Charlotte is putting up 116.

Hornets are expected to beat the Raptors by at least 111.5 points. Toronto's defence has improved recently but they still allow opponents to shoot nearly 50% from the field.

Raptors have been held under 30.5 first-quarter points in six of their last 10 games. Charlotte has also held its opponents under this number in three of its past five games and their opponents are averaging 29.8 first quarter points.