Toronto Raptors vs. Charlotte Hornets odds and best bet

Toronto had the weekend off. They needed it after playing four games in five nights last week. They won all four, though, and bring a five-game winning streak into Charlotte. They have actually won six of their last seven, a run that began with a home win over the Hornets. They are in really good form right now. 

Charlotte is not. They have lost their last four games and have sunk below Toronto in the Eastern Conference standings. The only positive of late is that they got forward Gordon Hayward back on the floor, though the way he has played that is debatable (he had 0 points in 21 minutes in their last game against Miami). Charlotte definitely needs a streak-busting effort Monday night. 

To show how things have changed for these clubs in such a short while all you have to do is look at the spreads. When Charlotte was in Toronto on Jan. 25 they were a road favorite (-1). Now they are a home underdog on Monday. 

3-0 run from Friday to Sunday with these picks. Let's start the week off with another win.

Game Info

Toronto Raptors (28-23) vs. Charlotte Hornets (28-26)
Monday, Feb. 7, 2022
7:00 PM ET
Spectrum Center (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Bally Sports Southeast - Charlotte

Betting Odds

Spread: Raptors -2 (-110), Hornets +2 (-110)
Total: 224.5
Moneyline: Raptors -130, Hornets +110

Best Bet

Toronto -2

When these teams met in January, the Raptors won by 12. That was the margin at the end of the first quarter and it only finished that close because the Hornets won the final quarter by seven.  

Charlotte can point to not having Hayward for that game, but the Raptors were shorthanded, too, missing All-Star guard Fred VanVleet and top rookie Scottie Barnes. The three other regular starters -- Gary Trent Jr., Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby -- all scored at least 24 points. 

Charlotte can be a fun team when they are playing well. They generally score with ease but that has not been the case lately. In all four of their recent losses, they have scored under their average of 113 PPG, which is second in the NBA. Toronto matches up really well with them because they have guys who are good perimeter defenders and switch easily. Charlotte wants the game to be easy and when it isn't they really struggle -- see the 104-86 loss to Miami on Saturday. Toronto can follow the pattern of Miami and Cleveland in recent wins against the Hornets. 

With Toronto running hot and Charlotte cold right now it is hard to see how the Hornets hosting is going to be enough to get them back on track. The small spread means that whoever wins is likely to cover. Toronto is a tough team to fade right now. 

Prop to Consider

OG Anunoby Over 25.5 Points Rebounds Assists (-105)

I suggested backing OG on three-pointers made in the Raptors win over Atlanta. Alas, that fell one shot short. This time I am looking at his combo prop, which is priced better than his points (16.5, -115). The last time they played the Hornets he nearly cashed this one on points alone with 24 (plus seven rebounds and two assists). I am looking for something similar. Charlotte plays at a fast pace so it is easy for players to get lots of counting stats and I am not worried about the Raptors having a more complete roster Monday night. Anunoby is third in the league in minutes per game and the team is fresh off the weekend break. With OKC and Houston on deck, this is the game to push to get on the road trip, too.