Game Preview: Raptors v Hornets

The Toronto Raptors face the second night of a back-to-back, as they play host
to the Charlotte Hornets, at Air Canada Center on Wednesday evening. The Raptors
(32-24) have lost three straight to the likes of the Timberwolves, Pistons and
Bulls. Kyle Lowry sounded off after they lost their second straight game on
Sunday, saying that something needed to change and although he did not specify
what that something was, his wish was granted, as the Raptors since acquired
Serge Ibaka via trade, sending Terrence Ross and a first-round pick to the
Magic. Ibaka gives the Raptors a big boost in the frontcourt, where they have
lacked a top quality power forward pretty much since the days of Chris Bosh. The
Raptors are hopeful Ibaka can make his debut against the Hornets on Wednesday,
but it is yet to be determined. The Raptors are 4-6 in their last 10 games and
are still without Patrick Patterson (knee), who will settle into the backup
power forward spot upon his return. The Raptors have fallen to fifth in the East
and are 18-10 at home so far this season. Meanwhile, the Hornets (24-31) are
dealing with their own struggles, as they 1-9 in their last 10 games, having
lost three straight. They are coming off a particularly embarrassing loss, as
they fell to the Sixers on Monday after Nicolas Batum had guaranteed the win.
The Hornets struggles have caused them to fall to 10th place in the East, 1.5
games behind the eighth-place Pistons. Cody Zeller (quad) has missed eight of
the last nine games for Charlotte and his presence is greatly missed. The
Hornets are 8-18 on the road this season but may have a chance to steal a win in
Toronto, against the struggling Raptors. The season series is 1-1 between the
Hornets and Raptors.