NBA · Final

Raptors Edge Hornets in Nail-Biting Finish

Toronto Raptors23-15

Charlotte Hornets13-24

Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Spectrum Center

Toronto Raptors 97, Charlotte Hornets 96, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.

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Quick answers

Who won Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets?

Toronto Raptors beat Charlotte Hornets 97-96 at Spectrum Center on January 7, 2026.

Who was favored in Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets?

Toronto Raptors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.

In a thrilling showdown at the Spectrum Center, the Toronto Raptors narrowly defeated the Charlotte Hornets with a final score of 97-96. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked the fourth meeting of the season between these two teams, with the series now tied at 2-2. The close contest highlighted the competitive nature of both squads, especially given their recent performances leading up to this matchup.

The Hornets entered the game with a home record of 13-24, while the Raptors boasted a stronger away record of 23-15. Over their last ten games, the Hornets recorded a 5-5 record, currently riding a two-game winning streak. They averaged 119.2 points scored and allowed 116.4 points during this stretch. Their recent victories included impressive wins against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Chicago Bulls, both on the road.

On the other hand, the Raptors have also shown resilience, with a 6-4 record in their last ten games and a two-game winning streak as well. They averaged 112.0 points scored and 109.8 points allowed during this period. Their recent performances included victories against the Atlanta Hawks, showcasing their ability to score effectively while maintaining a solid defense.

Home and away records further illustrate the contrasting dynamics of the teams. The Hornets had a home record of 2-2 in their last four games, while the Raptors held a 4-2 record in their recent away games. This matchup was crucial for both teams as they sought to improve their standings in the league.

In terms of head-to-head matchups, the teams have had a balanced rivalry, with a record of 3-3 in their last six meetings. The previous encounters this season included a decisive win for the Raptors on December 6, where they defeated the Hornets 111-86, and a closely contested game on November 29, where the Hornets edged out the Raptors 118-111.

Injury concerns were present for both teams leading into this game. The Hornets had Brandon Miller and PJ Hall listed as day-to-day, both dealing with shoulder and ankle issues, respectively. The Raptors faced similar challenges, with Nate Bittle, Alijah Martin, Chucky Hepburn, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Immanuel Quickley all listed as day-to-day due to various injuries, including knee and hamstring issues. The status of these players could have influenced team strategies and rotations during the game.

Betting odds provided by DraftKings indicated Toronto as a 2.5-point favorite, with a total set at 229.5 points. The moneyline reflected the Raptors at -135 and the Hornets at +114, suggesting a competitive matchup that drew interest from bettors.

The game conditions were typical for an indoor NBA matchup, with no significant weather factors affecting play. However, the atmosphere in the Spectrum Center was charged, as fans rallied behind the Hornets in hopes of a home victory.

As the game unfolded, key moments defined the final quarter. Collin Sexton hit a crucial three-pointer to give the Hornets a brief lead, but RJ Barrett quickly responded with a driving layup, showcasing the back-and-forth nature of the contest. Free throws by Miles Bridges and a driving layup from LaMelo Ball kept the Hornets competitive, but ultimately, Immanuel Quickley’s late three-pointer sealed the victory for the Raptors.

This match served as a testament to the intensity of NBA rivalries, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. The Hornets, despite the loss, displayed resilience and scoring capability, while the Raptors proved their ability to execute under pressure. Fans can look forward to the next meeting between these two teams, as the series remains tightly contested.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	TOR -2.5	229.5 o -110 / u -110	Toronto Raptors -135 · Charlotte Hornets +114

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets
Nate BittleDay-To-DayKneeToronto Raptors
Alijah MartinDay-To-DayKneeToronto Raptors
Chucky HepburnDay-To-DayKneeToronto Raptors
Collin Murray-BoylesDay-To-DayFingerToronto Raptors
Immanuel QuickleyDay-To-DayHamstringToronto Raptors

Leaders

PointsCollin Sexton22Charlotte Hornets
AssistsLaMelo Ball7Charlotte Hornets
ReboundsMoussa Diabate11Charlotte Hornets
PointsRJ Barrett28Toronto Raptors
AssistsJamal Shead6Toronto Raptors
ReboundsCollin Murray-Boyles15Toronto Raptors

Recent form

Charlotte Hornets

Last 10: 5-5Streak W2119.2 scored · 116.4 allowed per game2-2 at home

W124-97at Oklahoma City ThunderJan 6
W112-99at Chicago BullsJan 4
L121-122at Milwaukee BucksJan 3
L125-132vs Golden State WarriorsDec 31
L113-123vs Milwaukee BucksDec 30
W120-105at Orlando MagicDec 27
W126-109vs Washington WizardsDec 24
L132-139at Cleveland CavaliersDec 23
L86-112at Detroit PistonsDec 21
W133-126vs Atlanta HawksDec 19

Toronto Raptors

Last 10: 6-4Streak W2112 scored · 109.8 allowed per game2-2 away

W118-100vs Atlanta HawksJan 6
W134-117vs Atlanta HawksJan 4
L103-106vs Denver NuggetsJan 1
W107-106vs Orlando MagicDec 30
W141-127vs Golden State WarriorsDec 28
L117-138at Washington WizardsDec 27
W112-91at Miami HeatDec 24
L81-96at Brooklyn NetsDec 21
L96-112vs Boston CelticsDec 21
W111-105at Milwaukee BucksDec 19

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Boston	-	26	W2	.683	56
New York	3	29	L1	.646	53
Toronto	10	36	W1	.561	46
Philadelphia	11	37	W2	.549	45
Brooklyn	36	62	L3	.244	20
Atlanta	-	36	L1	.561	46
Orlando	1	37	L1	.549	45
Charlotte	2	38	W1	.537	44
Miami	3	39	W2	.524	43
Washington	29	65	L10	.207	17

Box score

Stat	Toronto Raptors	Charlotte Hornets
Field goals	38-92	32-82
Field goal %	41	39
Three-pointers	7-34	14-38
Three-point %	21	37
Free throws	14-19	18-22
Free throw %	74	82
Rebounds	42	50
Offensive rebounds	15	16
Defensive rebounds	27	34
Assists	18	19
Steals	6	3
Blocks	4	6
Turnovers	5	18
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	10	22
Fast-break points	14	11
Points in the paint	60	36
Fouls	19	19
Largest lead	6	13
Lead changes	9	9
Time in front	20	70

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter57-64Sandro Mamukelashvili makes tip shot
3rd Quarter57-65Collin Sexton makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter57-66Collin Sexton makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter60-66Sandro Mamukelashvili makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jamal Shead assists)
3rd Quarter60-67Liam McNeeley makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter62-67Jamison Battle makes dunk (Sandro Mamukelashvili assists)
3rd Quarter64-67Ochai Agbaji makes tip shot
3rd Quarter66-67Jamal Shead makes running layup
3rd Quarter66-69PJ Hall makes tip shot
3rd Quarter66-72Collin Sexton makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kon Knueppel assists)
4th Quarter68-72Jamal Shead makes driving layup
4th Quarter68-74LaMelo Ball makes tip shot
4th Quarter68-75Moussa Diabate makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter68-76Moussa Diabate makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter68-78Moussa Diabate makes two point shot
4th Quarter70-78RJ Barrett makes driving layup
4th Quarter73-78Immanuel Quickley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jamal Shead assists)
4th Quarter75-78Immanuel Quickley makes driving layup (Jamal Shead assists)
4th Quarter77-78Sandro Mamukelashvili makes layup
4th Quarter77-80Collin Sexton makes driving layup (Miles Bridges assists)
4th Quarter77-81Collin Sexton makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter79-81RJ Barrett makes driving layup (Collin Murray-Boyles assists)
4th Quarter82-81RJ Barrett makes 25-foot three point jumper (Immanuel Quickley assists)
4th Quarter82-82Sion James makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter82-83Sion James makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter84-83RJ Barrett makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter86-83RJ Barrett makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter86-85Collin Sexton makes 2-foot layup (Sion James assists)
4th Quarter86-87PJ Hall makes 2-foot layup (Sion James assists)
4th Quarter89-87Sandro Mamukelashvili makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jamal Shead assists)
4th Quarter89-88PJ Hall makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter89-89PJ Hall makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter89-92Collin Sexton makes 26-foot three point jumper (Miles Bridges assists)
4th Quarter91-92RJ Barrett makes driving layup
4th Quarter92-92RJ Barrett makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter92-93Miles Bridges makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter92-94Miles Bridges makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter94-94RJ Barrett makes 8-foot two point shot
4th Quarter94-96LaMelo Ball makes driving layup
4th Quarter97-96Immanuel Quickley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sandro Mamukelashvili assists)