Hornets vs. Raptors prediction and odds for Monday, Dec. 18

The Toronto Raptors will try to hand the Charlotte Hornets their fifth consecutive defeat tonight at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto has struggled lately, losing five out of their last six games. However, they shouldn't have no problems against the Hornets, who are coming off a 53-point loss to the Sixers.

Toronto is an 11.5-point home favorite over Charlotte despite the Hornets winning the first matchup 119-116 on Dec. 8. The Hornets could be missing a few key players due to injury, which could be the break the Raptors need.

Here are the odds and our best bet for Charlotte-Toronto:

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Charlotte Hornets injury report

Toronto Raptors injury report

Charlotte Hornets

Brandon Miller: The last time Miller went up against the Raptors, he went off for 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in a three-point win for the Hornets. With Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, P.J. Washington, and Mark Williams’ availability up in the air, Charlotte will be looking for Miller to be aggressive on the offensive end tonight. The rookie forward struggled in the Hornets’ 52-point loss to the Sixers last week, scoring 14 points on 4-of-16 shooting from the field.

Toronto Raptors

Scottie Barnes: The 22-year-old small forward has taken his game to another level this season for the Raptors, which is a good sign for the present and future. Last season, Barnes averaged 15.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He also shot 45.6% from the field and 28.1% from deep.

Fast forward to this season, and his numbers have significantly gone up across the board. The former Florida State standout is producing 20.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Barnes has also become a better shooter – 48.7% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range.

It’s tough to see the Hornets snapping their four-game losing streak tonight, especially if they are missing Rozier and Hayward, who are their second and fourth-leading scorers, respectively.

The Hornets are 4-6 against the spread as a road underdog and 2-3 ATS when the spread was between +9.5 to +12.5 this season. Meanwhile, the Raptors have lost five out of their past six games, including three out of their last four home games. The only home game they won was against the Hawks last week (135-128).

The Raptors aren’t one of the best offensive teams in the league (20th in ORtg) despite having four players averaging 15 or more points per game. However, Barnes and Siakam should have good games tonight, especially with the Hornets’ frontcourt banged up. Toronto is only 4-5 ATS as a home favorite this season, but I think they have enough offensive firepower to cover the double-digit spread. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.