The Charlotte Hornets have lost three in a row. Perched second-last in the weaker Eastern Conference, Charlotte has already waived off playoff basketball and now takes on a team looking to make it a hat-trick of wins. Toronto comes into this matchup off a 116-86 rout of Brooklyn in what was one of their best performances of the season.

In such a scenario, all eyes will be on LaMelo Ball, who has already missed three games this season and is his team’s scoring leader with 25.2 PPG. In his absence, Miles Bridges has been carrying the Hornets’ offense, which also resulted in a career-high 46 points against the Cavaliers, earlier this month.

Regardless, once again, the Hornets come into this game without Ball, who is recovering from an ongoing ankle injury. Despite playing 29 minutes in Tuesday’s contest, the 22-year-old guard will not suit up for this game.

However, apart from Ball, the Hornets look healthy and do not have any other injury issues to contend with, as per ESPN. On The Toronto Raptors will be without several key players for Friday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. RJ Barrett (rest), Ochai Agbaji (rest), Gradey Dick (knee), Brandon Ingram (ankle), and Ulrich Chomche (MCL tear) have all been ruled out, further depleting the Raptors’ depth. Chris Boucher (illness) is listed as questionable, leaving his status uncertain. 

With multiple injuries affecting their roster, Toronto will need to rely on some fringe players to maintain their recent momentum. Still, in the absence of LaMelo Ball, and considering the recent form of Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors will be favorites for this one.

Charlotte Hornets’ depth chart

With Ball sidelined, KJ Simpson is expected to take over the starting point guard duties once again. Simpson filled in for Ball in previous games and is likely to handle the bulk of the playmaking responsibilities. Additionally, rookie Nick Smith Jr. is projected to see an increased role off the bench, contributing valuable minutes in the rotation.

Toronto Raptors’ depth chart

RJ Barrett’s absence means that at least one change will be seen in the starting five. Ja’Kobe Walter is expected to line up alongside Quickley in place of Barrett.

The Raptors have been one of the fastest-paced teams in the league over their last ten games, ranking first in both pace and defensive rating. The Charlotte Hornets (18-54) have faced a tough stretch, losing five of their last six games, including three consecutive defeats. 

With LaMelo Ball sidelined the Hornets face an uphill battle against a resurgent Toronto Raptors squad. While KJ Simpson and Nick Smith Jr. will try to fill the void, the Hornets will need a strong team effort to compete against a Toronto side that has found its rhythm.  Tip-off is set for Friday at  7:30 PM ET as both teams look to secure a crucial win.