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Charlotte Hornets Look to Snap Three-Game Losing Streak as They Take on Toronto

By Jerry Stephens

Jan 20, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Toronto Raptors guard forward DeMar DeRozan (10) looks to pass as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Toronto Raptors guard forward DeMar DeRozan (10) looks to pass as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets look to not only snap their three-game losing streak against Toronto but also get a win in the last match before the All-Star break.

The Charlotte Hornets (24-31) are set to take on the Toronto Raptors (32-24) in their final game before the All-Star break. Both sides will be looking to gain some momentum heading into the second half of the season but more importantly, Charlotte needs to snap their three-game losing streak. The Hornets have lost 17 of their last 21 in total so a win over the Raptors would be huge for their confidence.

In their last outing, Toronto fell to the Chicago Bulls. Even though they have the fifth-best record in the East, the Raptors have lost three consecutive as well and 11 of their last 15 in total. They may be tired as this will be the second night of a back to back for them while Charlotte has a day to rest since they last played.

These two sides split their first two games this season with Toronto winning the first by two points and the Hornets winning the second in the blowout. Both of those came in Charlotte so this will be their first meeting north of the border this season. Steve Clifford’s side hasn’t won in The Six since the 2014-15 season and has lost three straight at the Air Canada Centre.

More from Swarm and Sting

Charlotte Hornets @ Toronto Raptors

7:30 EST, Wednesday, February 15th, 2017

Air Canada Centre

Broadcast on FOX Sports Southeast

Injury Report:

CHA:

OUT – Ramon Sessions (left knee surgery), missed last five games (2/4 – 2/13)
OUT – Cody Zeller (quad soreness), missed last two games (2/11 – 2/13)
OUT – Miles Plumlee (strained right calf), injured on 2/13

TOR:

Patrick Patterson – Questionable – Left knee contusion

Biggest Story:

Toronto’s New Man

The Raptors recently completed a trade with the Orlando Magic as they acquired Serge Ibaka after sending Terrence Ross and a first round pick. He has yet to appear in a game with his new team but he is expected to make his debut once his and Ross’ physicals are cleared. Ibaka will give this team a new look and an added boost on both ends of the court.

Charlotte wouldn’t have had a lot of time to prepare for Serge before this game so it might be difficult for them to adjust for the Raptors’ potential starting lineup and rotations for this one. Marvin Williams will get the call to defend Ibaka and their playstyles matchup pretty well. The Hornets will be the first team in the NBA to get a look at Toronto’s new look team.

Matchup to Watch:

Kemba Walker/ Nicolas Batum vs Kyle Lowry/ DeMar DeRozan

This will be a matchup between two of the best backcourts in the NBA as Kemba and Nic look to outduel Lowry and DeRozan. Both of Toronto’s guards will be All-Star’s this season compared to only Walker for Charlotte. The Raptors’ backcourt combines to average 50.5 points per game, 10 rebounds per game and 10.7 assists per game so far this season.

Next: Trade Deadline Will Define Charlotte's Season

On the other hand, the Charlotte Hornets’ backcourt only combines to average 37.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG and 11.5 APG on the year. Kemba and Nic need to try their best to not only outscore, which is a tough task within itself but also limit Kyle and DeMar’s scoring to under a combined 50 points.

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