Game Preview: Toronto Raptors @ Charlotte Hornets

Injury Report

Hornets: OUT LaMelo Ball (R Ankle Sprain), Cody Martin (L Knee), Frank Ntilikina (L Tibia Fracture), Amari Bailey (G-League), Nick Smith (G-League) QUESTIONABLE Mark Williams (Lower Back Contusion)

Raptors: OUT Christian Koloko (Respiratory), Gradey Dick, Javon Freeman-Liberty, Ron Harper Jr. and Markquis Nowell (G-League Assignment)

After a positive start to the season the Toronto Raptors have won only one of their previous five games. Toronto's offense has been in the gutter, ranking just 25th, five places below the Hornets over the past two weeks. 

This will be the first match-up between Charlotte and Toronto this season, the Raptors took last season's series 4-0 scoring over 120 points in each match-up. Charlotte recently have struggled to find an identity. One night the defense will be a struggle, the next turnovers, then fouling, then shooting the ball. It's been a  sad game of NBA mistake whack-a-mole ever since LaMelo Ball went down with his ankle injury.

Mark Williams missed Wednesday's game in Chicago after what Clifford referred to as getting "Hit in the back" twice in the last two games. If Williams is back expect him to be re-inserted into the starting lineup, if not Nick Richards will draw the start again and expect more PJ Washington at center minutes.

Key Match-up: Miles Bridges vs Pascal Siakam

Across the four match-ups last season Pascal Siakam averaged 30 points per game, well above his season average. The Hornets struggled to defend the interior against his size, length and footwork as he spinned and twisted in the mid-range and post. Predicted Starting Fives. Despite giving up 2-3 inches, Bridges has the strength to stop Siakam getting to his spots and also the first step on the offensive end to get into the lane. If Bridges can outplay Siakam, the Hornets have a chance to put an end to their two game skid.

X - @SI_Hornets and James Plowright