PREMIUM
3-Game NBA SWEEPER PASS
(NBA) Charlotte vs. Toronto,
Total: 203.50 | -110.00 Under
Result: Win
Total: 203.50 | -110.00 Under
Result: Win
The set-up: The 45-29 Raptors beat the visiting Orlklando Magic 131-112 on Monday, givng them their second, six-game winning streak of the season. Toronto is now just one game back of the Washington Wizards for the East's No. 3 seed as it gets set to host the 33-41 Charlotte Hornets, whose playoff chances took a big hit with a 118-108 loss to Milwaukee on Tuesday, one which left them three games out of eighth place with only eight to play.
Charlotte: A bright spot in Tuesday's loss was that center Frank Kaminsky (11.6 & 4.7) had 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting in 28 turnover-free minutes, his best effort since returning from a shoulder injury. All Star guard Kemba Walker (22.9-4.0-5.5) is averaging 28.3 points on 52.6 percent the last three games but the bottom line is that time is running out on the Hornets. The loss to the Bucks was the first of a nine-game stretch to close the season, all coming against teams currently holding down a playoff spot or in contention for one. Five of the team's remaining eight will also come on the road, beginning right here in Toronto.
Toronto: The Raptors' recent surge has not only moved Toronto within a game of third place Washington but also to within 2 1/2 games of the slumping and second-place Cleveland Cavs. Toronto is eagerly awaiting the return of All-Star PG Kyle Lowry (22.8-4.7-6.9) from his wrist injury but Cory Joseph scored 15 points and handed out a career-high 13 assists versus Orlando and has averaged 12.5 points in 18 starts- all but one of which came after Lowry was sidelined. DeRozan (27.2 & 5.3 is averaging 34 points over his last four games and reserve shooting guard Norman Powell has averaged 13.1 PPG in 22 minutes during March.
The pick: The Raptors have won two of the three games between the teams this season, as the teams have split a pair in Charlotte while the Raptors won the one game in Toronto. The Raptors have four straight at home over Charlotte and the Hornets come in 4-16 SU over their last 20 road games. Charlotte has allowed 109.5 PPG over its last four, while the Raptors have averaged 108.5 PPG during their six-game winning streak. Make the Over a 10* play.
Charlotte: A bright spot in Tuesday's loss was that center Frank Kaminsky (11.6 & 4.7) had 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting in 28 turnover-free minutes, his best effort since returning from a shoulder injury. All Star guard Kemba Walker (22.9-4.0-5.5) is averaging 28.3 points on 52.6 percent the last three games but the bottom line is that time is running out on the Hornets. The loss to the Bucks was the first of a nine-game stretch to close the season, all coming against teams currently holding down a playoff spot or in contention for one. Five of the team's remaining eight will also come on the road, beginning right here in Toronto.
Toronto: The Raptors' recent surge has not only moved Toronto within a game of third place Washington but also to within 2 1/2 games of the slumping and second-place Cleveland Cavs. Toronto is eagerly awaiting the return of All-Star PG Kyle Lowry (22.8-4.7-6.9) from his wrist injury but Cory Joseph scored 15 points and handed out a career-high 13 assists versus Orlando and has averaged 12.5 points in 18 starts- all but one of which came after Lowry was sidelined. DeRozan (27.2 & 5.3 is averaging 34 points over his last four games and reserve shooting guard Norman Powell has averaged 13.1 PPG in 22 minutes during March.
The pick: The Raptors have won two of the three games between the teams this season, as the teams have split a pair in Charlotte while the Raptors won the one game in Toronto. The Raptors have four straight at home over Charlotte and the Hornets come in 4-16 SU over their last 20 road games. Charlotte has allowed 109.5 PPG over its last four, while the Raptors have averaged 108.5 PPG during their six-game winning streak. Make the Over a 10* play.
