On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The Charlotte Hornets look to get back to .500 on Wednesday night as they are set to host the Toronto Raptors at 7 p.m. EST.
Here is how our staff sees this game playing out.
Albert Böttcher: Hornets 120, Raptors 102.
The Hornets need to keep getting wins here and there until Miller and Williams return. This would be a perfect opportunity to do just that. Toronto is coming off of a demoralizing overtime loss at home and will be without their best player in Scottie Barnes.
Prediction record: 2-1.
Ali Jawad: Hornets 116, Raptors 108.
The Hornets must work on overcoming their tendency to play from behind, as they have found themselves trailing by double digits in each of their first three games. On the other hand, Toronto has lost three out of its first four games, with two of those losses also coming by double digits. With several key injuries hitting the Raptors early, including Scottie Barnes, who is ruled out, the Hornets appear to be in a strong position to avoid a three-game losing streak.
Prediction record: 1-1.
Carson Cash: Hornets 115, Raptors 110.
The Charlotte Hornets of last season might have lost this game. But this matchup could reveal a lot about this season’s outlook for Charlotte, who will face an injured Raptors team at home. This is a strong opportunity for Charles Lee to secure his first win at Spectrum Center. Even without Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball and the Hornets should be able to handle a Raptors team that will also be fighting for a play-in spot in the lower tier of the Eastern Conference standings.
Prediction record: 1-1.
Ian Black: Hornets 112, Raptors 102.
The Hornets look engaged under new coach Charles Lee, LaMelo Ball is on fire, the team is healthy and playing at home on ample rest, the other team is not. A rare take-care-of-business opportunity for Charlotte to prove where this team’s temperature is truly at to start the season.
Prediction record: 1-0.
Austin Leake: Hornets 120, Raptors 106.
The Hornets are coming off of two tough losses where if they executed down the stretch they could’ve won. Now, they face off against a banged up Raptors squad and the Hornets should take advantage. The Raptors lack a lot of depth, which is where I believe the Hornets have the advantage.
Prediction record: 2-1.
MORE STORIES FROM HORNETS ON SI
Spread predictions for Hornets vs. Raptors
Hornets seek victory over Toronto to avoid 3-game slump
Former NBA player Chandler Parsons gives controversial take on LaMelo Ball
More must-reads:
- Five NBA coaches starting 2025-26 season on hot seat
- 'Clearly separated himself': Why one QB is winning Browns' competition
- The 'NBA minutes leaders by season' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
NBA Star Russell Westbrook Breaks Silence on Free Agency Decision
The NBA free agency market has been harsh this offseason, with a plethora of veterans still unsigned and restricted free agents stuck in contract battles. The Denver Nuggets were likely slightly surprised when 17-year NBA veteran point guard Russell Westbrook declined his player option for the 2025-26 season to enter the open market, but the former MVP is still searching for his next team. It is likely that a return to Denver has not been ruled out for Westbrook, but a couple of other teams seem to be the frontrunners. Where could Russell Westbrook end up? A handful of suitors have been mentioned for Westbrook throughout the offseason, although the most prominent team as of late has been the Sacramento Kings. The Kings seem to be showing strong interest as they look for another veteran ball-handler, but there is doubt that Westbrook would want to play for a non-title contender. The New York Knicks have also been frequently mentioned as a potential landing spot, as new head coach Mike Brown could use a high-intensity veteran in his second unit. Other teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat have been brought up in conversations about his next team, but both of those spots seem unlikely. In his lone season with the Nuggets, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, but showcased his high-level defensive ability and valuable hustle plays. While Westbrook is well past his MVP-caliber prime, he is still one of the biggest names in the league, so everyone will be speculating where he ends up. Westbrook breaks silence on the rumors In his recent "Word of Westbrook" blog post, Westbrook addressed the rumors of where he is going to end up. "It’s no secret that there’s news about where I’ll end up on the horizon, and I appreciate y'all's interest… but just hold tight, there’s more to come," Westbrook wrote. Westbrook's free agency decision is highly anticipated, as his next team could be his last. However, that is likely why he is taking his sweet time. With Westbrook contemplating whether he wants to be close to home, on a title contender, or whatever else it might be, he hints that he could be close to a decision.
Jalen Milroe surges past former NFL starter on first Seattle Seahawks depth chart
Despite being viewed as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe ended up sliding into the third round. The 22-year-old — who was the starter for Alabama for two seasons — was selected with the No. 92 pick by the Seattle Seahawks. Although every player's dream is to go in the first round, Milroe likely couldn't have gone to a better situation. There is virtually no pressure on him as the Seahawks signed former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract this offseason, and they also have Drew Lock, who has started 28 career games on the roster as well. However, based on ESPN's initial depth chart, Milroe may be climbing the depth chart sooner than most expected. Seattle Seahawks depth chart As reported by ESPN, the Seahawks depth chart goes as follows: QB1: Sam Darnold QB2 Jalen Milroe QB3 Drew Lock If this truly ends up being the case, Milroe has taken major strides following his final season at Alabama. During his last year in Tuscaloosa, Milroe was criticized heavily for forcing passes into windows that weren't there after being late on reads. In his final season at Alabama, Milroe threw a career-high 11 interceptions to just 16 touchdowns, an increase of five more interceptions than he threw in 2023. Although training camp is still ongoing and the preseason games have yet to be played, clearly, Milroe is finding some success in the Pacific Northwest.
Manchester United aims to deal fresh blow to Newcastle in striker chase
Manchester United is reportedly closing in on a major coup in the striker transfer market, aiming to deal a fresh blow to Newcastle United in the pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko. The highly rated Slovenian striker has emerged as one of Europe’s hottest prospects, sparking a fierce bidding war between the two Premier League clubs. Newcastle initially led the race, submitting a bid just under £70 million (around $92 million), viewing the 22-year-old as the ideal long-term replacement for departing star striker Alexander Isak. The second offer reportedly stood at £69.7 million plus add-ons, but an agreement has yet to be secured. Isak, who is a target for Liverpool, has expressed a desire to leave St James’ Park, prompting Newcastle to prioritize finding a worthy successor in Sesko. However, Manchester United has since joined the chase with a competitive bid just under £74 million, £65 million plus £8.9 million in add-ons. The Red Devils have reportedly agreed on personal terms with the striker and are continuing negotiations with the German club. Despite Newcastle’s higher bid, Sesko is understood to prefer a move to Old Trafford, influenced by United’s historic stature, the club’s vision under current management and the greater exposure the club offers despite missing out on this season’s Champions League. This development leaves Newcastle in a difficult position. Failing to land Sesko forces it to seek alternatives to replace Isak, with names like Ollie Watkins and Yoane Wissa reportedly on the radar. Securing a talent of Sesko’s caliber would have provided a clear path forward for its attacking ambitions. Newcastle has faced criticism this summer after missing out on several targets, including Hugo Ekitike and James Trafford, who have joined Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively, in significant deals. This raises questions about the Saudi-owned club’s transfer strategy despite its financial muscle. For Manchester United, signing Sesko would strengthen its frontline and send a message to rivals that it remains a formidable force in the transfer market, despite its record-low 15th-place finish last season. The club’s focus on youth investment aligns with its broader rebuilding plan. As talks continue, United reportedly holds the upper hand in this high-stakes striker chase.
Cardinals All-Star Addresses Future; Hints Time In St. Louis Is Ending
The St. Louis Cardinals made changes this summer but the winter is going to be even more transformational. Trading away guys like Ryan Helsley, Steven Matz, and Phil Maton certainly hurt. But, these were necessary moves with the Cardinals' chances at a playoff spot just barely hanging on for dear life. The Cardinals are one game below .500 at 57-58 right now through 115 games played as of writing ahead of their showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday afternoon. Sure, the Cardinals could go on some long winning streak and change the perception around the club once again. That would be great, but right now, the odds of the club making the playoffs are slim and that's why the Cardinals traded the three relievers before they could hit the open market in free agency. Once the season ends, bigger changes are coming, though. Cardinals at crossroads that will start to be answered this winter The Cardinals used the trade deadline to move on from some of the team's players heading to free agency that didn't have no-trade clauses. The Cardinals opted against trading players under team control beyond this season and guys with no-traded clauses made it clear that they wanted to stick around, including Miles Mikolas, Sonny Gray, and Willson Contreras. Nolan Arenado also reportedly didn't expand his list of approved teams from this past offseason. Of the no-trade clause guys specifically, Gray, Contreras, and Arenado still control their destiny beyond the season. Mikolas will be a free agent and spoke about his future and noted he wants to continue pitching, but made it sound like he won't be back with Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I want to finish strong," Mikolas said. "And I want to do my best to be a good example for the young guys. There are some young guys in here who I’ve seen from their rookie years, seen them mature and get better. Hopefully, I’ve left a little bit of an imprint on them. Show the younger guys what it’s like to go about your work – day in, day out, rain or shine. I’ll be in here tomorrow working out, busting my tail in the gym, getting my work done with the trainers, watching video, trying to get better. Bottom line: I want to finish strong and show teams that I’ve still got a lot of good baseball left in me... "I know teams look beyond that. They’ll look at everything. Teams are going to sign you after they go back and look at all of your starts and go, ‘What was the difference? Can we fix him? Can we help him? Can we do this? Can we do that?’ If my stuff is good – and the ball is coming out of my hand good – and I’m available wire to wire, that’s something. That’s something I take a lot of pride in...I’ll play as long as I can. The ball is still coming out of my hand pretty good for being almost 37. I’ll play as long as they let me." Mikolas has been with the Cardinals since 2018 and has earned two All-Star nods with the team, but his future is in question now.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
