Tip-off: Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. ET
Line: Toronto -3.0, Total: 198.0

The Raptors look to avoid a third straight loss when they face the Hornets in Charlotte Wednesday.

The Raptors hosted the Celtics on Saturday and lost 117-116 as 3-point home favorites. Toronto has now lost its past two games both SU and ATS, allowing 115.5 PPG in those contests. The team will need to play much better defensively, as it won three straight games before this losing streak and allowed less than 100 points in each of those games. The Hornets lost 105-100 in Miami on Tuesday and the team has now lost two of its past three games SU. Charlotte can still make the playoffs in the East, but the team would likely need to win out or come close to doing so. The Hornets have really dominated the Raptors recently, going 7-2 SU and 6-3 ATS versus the team over the past three seasons. They have been even more dominant when playing in Charlotte, winning eight straight games SU and covering in seven of those contests. The Raptors are 35-21 ATS after failing to cover the spread in two or more consecutive games over the past three seasons. The Hornets, however, are 56-43 ATS as an underdog over the past two seasons. PF Amir Johnson (Ankle) is questionable for the Raptors, who are already without PG Kyle Lowry (Back) indefinitely. C Al Jefferson (Knee) and PF Cody Zeller (Shoulder) are expected to miss this game for the Hornets, who are without SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Ankle) indefinitely.

Can the Hornets earn a big home victory over the Raptors Wednesday? For the answer, connect to The Platinum Sheet for all the Expert picks throughout the entire 2014-15 season. In terms of Best Bets, the experts have a huge 60% ATS (205-136-4) record since Jan. 2, led by StatFox Brian who has a lofty 62% ATS (28-17-1) mark in Best Bets since Feb. 4, and is now 58% ATS (67-49-1) in season Best Bets. StatFox Gary has a strong 56% ATS (38-30-1) mark in NBA Best Bets since Jan. 1, and is 55% ATS (63-52-1) this season. StatFox Scott is also sizzling with a 60% ATS record (44-30-1) in Best Bets since Dec. 21, improving his record to 55% ATS (63-51-1) for the season. StatFox Zach is a scorching 65% ATS (45-24-1) in NBA Best Bets since Jan. 2 to sit at 53% ATS (61-54-2) for the season, while StatFox Dave is a robust 64% ATS (32-18) in NBA Best Bets since Jan. 28.

The Raptors have lost two straight games and must start to win some games so that they can build confidence heading into the playoffs. If the Raptors are going to win without Lowry on Wednesday then SG DeMar DeRozan (19.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.2 SPG) will need to be on his game. DeRozan had 38 points and three assists in 43 minutes against the Celtics last game and that followed up a 27-point performance against the Nets the day before. In his only meeting with Charlotte this season, the guard had 30 points in 39 minutes of action. He’ll need to attack the rim and knock down some midrange jumpers against a Hornets team that will be without its best defender in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. SG Lou Williams (15.4 PPG, 1.1 SPG) will also need to step it up against the Hornets. He’s seen increased minutes lately and is averaging 25.0 PPG in 33.5 MPG over the past two contests. Williams can really score and will need to provide a punch with Lowry out of the lineup. C Jonas Valanciunas (12.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.2 BPG) had 12 points, 14 boards and a block in 33 minutes against the Celtics last game. The big man will need to protect the rim in this game and add a consistent scoring presence inside. If he can dominate a Hornets team that will be without Al Jefferson then DeMar DeRozan will have a lot more room to operate on Wednesday.

The Hornets are still fighting for a playoff spot, but the team is also dealing with a number of injuries. In order to beat the Raptors on Wednesday, PG Kemba Walker (17.9 PPG, 5.1 APG, 1.5 SPG) must play at a high level. Over the past two games, Walker is averaging 20.5 PPG and 4.5 RPG. He’s going to be up against a Raptors team that is without Kyle Lowry, who is the team’s best perimeter defender. He must use his speed to get to the basket and set things up for his teammates. SG Gerald Henderson (12.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.6 APG) has been shooting the ball extremely well recently, going 6-for-11 from the outside over the past five games. He had 29 points and three rebounds in 31 minutes before fouling out against the Heat last game and must really hold his own in his matchup with DeMar DeRozan on Wednesday. If he is not playing well then it will be extremely difficult for this team to win and ultimately stay in the playoff hunt. C Bismack Biyombo (4.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.5 BPG) had 12 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks and two steals in 41 minutes of action against the Heat Tuesday. He is starting for this team with Jefferson out and will need to play solid defensively on Jonas Valanciunas. Biyombo has blocked 10 shots in the past three games and must continue to protect the rim and also avoid getting into foul trouble.