Normally an early start time would be bad for the road team. But the visiting Raptors have been idle since Thursday while the Hornets just flew back into Charlotte early Saturday following a four-game West Coast swing that conluded Friday night when the obviously tired Hornets could manage only 17 points in the fourth quarter against the Jazz in a 106-94 loss.

Toronto has the best record in the Easterm Conference. Charlotte is 23-32 and playing for the third time in four days. It's doubtful the Hornets make the playoffs.

The Raptors have dominated weaker competition losing just three times all season to below .500 opponents.

Toronto has matched up well, too, to Charlotte going 2-0 this season winning by 13 and 18 points, respectively.