The Charlotte Hornets (21-21) used dominant defense to break out of their latest losing streak, notching a 107-85 thrashing of the Portland Trail Blazers. That defensive prowess will be key to tonight’s matchup with the talented Toronto Raptors (28-14).
Toronto is reeling after a head-scratching 94-89 loss at the hands of Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors had won 14 straight against Philly, marking the franchises second longest winning streak against one team.
Charlotte is preparing to face an elite backcourt for a second straight outing, and one could easily argue that the Kyle Lowry/DeMar DeRozan combination blows Portland’s backcourt duo out of the water.