The Toronto Raptors welcomed back Kyle Lowry to the squad after he missed the last two games due to injury. The opponents would be the Charlotte Hornets, who toppled the Boston Celtics the previous night, thanks to an incredible comeback that coincided with a 30-5 run in favor of Kemba Walker and the Hornets.
The Raptors had the opportunity to field a fully healthy team for only the third time this season, and the first time since acquiring Marc Gasol before the trade deadline. The full bill of health had a desired effect in the first quarter, the Raptors had 11 assists on 10 made field-goals and were shooting lights out, Pascal Siakam had 11 points early on to get the Raptors rolling.