The Charlotte Hornets were in town as the Toronto Raptors were desperate to find some holiday cheer on the court, a gift that should have been easy enough to unwrap given the depleted Hornets roster that flew into town. The visitors were down three starters for a mix of health and legal reasons, and were running with a noticeably shrunken bench. However, this is your 2023-24 Raptors so nothing is easy.
Before tip off, there was a touching moment of silence for former Raptor and UNC legend Eric Montross, who unfortunately passed away after a courageous battle with cancer earlier today.