Game 58: Raptors @ Hornets, Fri Feb 25, 2022, 7:00 PM, TSN

[DanH]

Starters:

TOR:
VanVleet
Trent
Anunoby
Barnes
Siakam

CHA:
Ball
Rozier
Bridges
Washington
Plumlee

Fred questionable.

Team Ranks:

TOR: 11th ORTG, 13th DRTG, 2nd OREB%, 29th DREB%

CHA: 12th ORTG, 23rd DRTG, 19th OREB%, 28th DREB%

Charlotte has dropped off pretty hard after a not bad start to the season. Have gone 1-9 over their last 10 to drop below .500 and firmly entrenched in the bottom half of the play in, closer to being caught by the 11th place Wizards than catching the 8 seed Nets (in spite of the Nets going 2-8 over THEIR last 10).

Forced to start big last game, got off to a faster start, and guys had gas left to close the game late not having to dig out of a hole all night, pulling off the win even without Fred (who as you know is absolutely crucial as a playmaker and shooter for us). Curious to see what tonight holds for us if we are back to the small look (if Fred plays).

[KeonClark]

I love me some Freddy, but if he sits before and after all star with a sore knee but STILL does 3 pt shooting comp, that's kinda weak lol

[planetmars]

I'm trying to remember their trade deadline moves. I believe they have Harrell now right?

[DanH]

I'm trying to remember their trade deadline moves. I believe they have Harrell now right?

They have Harrell, and lost Ish Smith.

[Jclaw]

They have Harrell, and lost Ish Smith.

So…in Raptor killer terms……neutral?

[bertarapsfan]

Everyone like to talk about playoff previews. But what about a Play IN preview? Got Hornets and Hawks back to back now, Just like it would be if we were in the range at the end of the year. I say we clinch the our ticket to the big dance tonight!!

[G__Deane]

Didn't realize both teams are THAT bad at defensive rebounding. If we want to lay claim as a legitimate contender, gotta win these games against pretenders.

[Hotshot]

Anunoby out with an injury.

Looks like bringing in Thad is about to help a whole lot sooner.

[KeonClark]

Anunoby out with an injury.

Looks like bringing in Thad is about to help a whole lot sooner.

Injured on vacation. That's SO OG!

[Hotshot]

Injured on vacation. That's SO OG!

It ain't the worst thing in the world actually.

OG was exhausted before the ALL-STAR break and the Raps got like 8 back to backs in the next month or so.

Wouldn't be so bad to get Precious, Khem and Thad more minutes and familiarity with the starting lineup while OG rests and heals up.

[KeonClark]

It ain't the worst thing in the world actually.

OG was exhausted before the ALL-STAR break and the Raps got like 8 back to backs in the next month or so.

Wouldn't be so bad to get Precious, Khem and Thad more minutes and familiarity with the starting lineup while OG rests and heals up.

Grange is reporting it was sore for awhile before all star. Probably was playing with a fracture. Would explain his poor shooting and finish

[slaw]

It ain't the worst thing in the world actually.

OG was exhausted before the ALL-STAR break and the Raps got like 8 back to backs in the next month or so.

Wouldn't be so bad to get Precious, Khem and Thad more minutes and familiarity with the starting lineup while OG rests and heals up.

If he has a broken finger on his shooting hand it isn't good.... not with the Raps margin for error.

[planetmars]

Man OG is always hurt. Always little different things too. He's just extremely unlucky. Or cursed.

[Hotshot]

Grange is reporting it was sore for awhile before all star. Probably was playing with a fracture. Would explain his poor shooting and finish

If that's true, then the Raptors medical team has been slipping as of late.

[slaw]

Big stretch of games starting tonight. They could really do themselves a favour by surviving the next dozen games. Won't be easy.