Toronto Raptors Look to Extend Winning Streak Against Struggling Hornets
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The Toronto Raptors are riding high, having completed a successful 4-1 road trip with a 129-111 victory over the Indiana Pacers. This win marks the seventh time in the past eight games that the Raptors have emerged victorious, and they now sit three games above .500 for the first time since February 1, 2022. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, acknowledging that they still have areas for improvement. 'I'm really satisfied with winning four out of five on this road trip,' he said. 'I think we played some really, really good basketball and it's still part of the process.' In contrast, the Charlotte Hornets are struggling, having lost their second game in a row to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Hornets have dropped five of their last six games and are now facing a tough matchup against the Raptors, who have a nine-game winning streak against them on the road. The Raptors were led by RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl, who both scored 22 points against the Pacers. Scottie Barnes added 14 points and 11 rebounds, and also matched Vince Carter's team record with a block and steal in nine consecutive games. Brandon Ingram continued to be a consistent scorer for Toronto, with 19 points against the Pacers. The Hornets, on the other hand, were led by Miles Bridges, who scored 15 points against the Thunder. Coach Charles Lee praised Bridges' performance, saying, 'I've seen a ton of really good things from Miles over the last couple games. No. 1 defensively, he's taken on a lot of different match-ups, and he's embraced it and he's wanting it.' The Hornets are expecting guard LaMelo Ball to return to action on Monday after missing Saturday's game with a right ankle impingement. However, his injury history will be carefully monitored to avoid any further setbacks. 'Our performance staff and player-development group has done a good job of developing a plan that's going to help maximize him,' Lee said. 'So, minutes going forward for a while, we have to be mindful of putting him in the best position to be available for as many games as possible.'
