NBA Odds: Hornets-Raptors prediction, odds, pick and more

Charlotte Hornets are 7th in the Eastern Conference. They lost to the Atlanta Hawks last time out. Toronto Raptors are 22-22 and are 9th place in their conference. The Raptors lost against the Portland Trail Blazers last game. Pascal Siakam scored 28 points in that game, which is a good sign.

Gordon Hayward and Jalen McDaniels are out for the game. Charlotte is fourth in the NBA in three-point percentage at 36.7%. The Hornets need to control the paint and the boards to cover the spread. The Raptors don't have a starting center. They start two forwards and three guards and try to play small. The Charlotte Hornets are not known for much height. If they are able to do that, along with their three points, they will cover this spread and move on from their worst loss of the season.

The Raptors need to cover the spread on the defensive end and control the paint. The Raptors are 5-5 in their last 10 games while Charlotte is 7-3. Toronto is 14-13 against the East and Charlotte 17-11 against it. Both teams are coming off bad losses to bad teams.

Hornets are 29-18 against the spread this season. Raptors are 23-20-1. Hornets have injuries. Toronto is 12-12 at home this year.

Hornets are favored by 3.5 points over Raptors.