The Toronto Raptors are looking to bounce back from a tough loss as they host the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday evening. The Raptors set a dubious franchise record by allowing 155 points in a 155-126 road loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, marking their ninth consecutive defeat.
The game took a heated turn when Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic was ejected in the fourth quarter following an emotional outburst against the officials. Meanwhile, the Hawks made some history of their own with a 141-133 home victory over the Chicago Bulls, scoring 50 points in the fourth quarter, including a 31-7 surge, their highest fourth-quarter points total ever.
The Hawks continued their winning streak with a 120-110 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday, led by Jalen Johnson’s 28 points and 13 rebounds, and Trae Young’s 11 points and 15 assists. They now embark on a six-game road trip starting with Sunday’s game against the Raptors.
Rajakovic is optimistic about his team’s performance despite numerous injuries. The Raptors could get a boost with the return of Jakob Poeltl (groin injury) and Bruce Brown (knee), who participated fully in practice on Saturday and are expected to play1. Brown will be making his season debut after undergoing knee surgery, while Poeltl has missed four games.
The Raptors will need to find a way to contain the Hawks’ Jalen Johnson, who had 30 points and 15 rebounds in the comeback win against the Bulls and another strong performance on Saturday. The Hawks will be without center Larry Nance Jr., who sustained a hand injury on Saturday, and Onyeka Okongwu, who has missed the past four games due to left knee inflammation.
It’s set to be an intense matchup as the Raptors aim to end their home losing streak and the Hawks look to extend their winning run.
