The Atlanta Hawks, currently holding the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, aim to bounce back from a two-game losing streak when they host the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night. This game marks the first of back-to-back meetings between the two teams, with the season series concluding on Saturday.
Atlanta Hawks
Recent Performance: Atlanta is coming off a disappointing 114-104 home loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. The Hawks struggled significantly from beyond the arc, hitting just 6 of their 38 attempts (15.8 percent), their worst 3-point-shooting performance of the season.
Key Players:
- Trae Young: Leading the team with 23.1 points per game and an NBA-best 11.6 assists per contest, Young was instrumental in Atlanta’s 136-107 win at Toronto on December 29, scoring 34 points and providing 10 assists.
- Dyson Daniels: In Wednesday’s loss, Daniels contributed with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals.
Team Outlook: Coach Quin Snyder’s team looks to correct their recent struggles on both sides of the ball. Thursday’s game provides an opportunity for the Hawks to get back on track and solidify their playoff positioning.
Toronto Raptors
Recent Performance: The Raptors have shown signs of life, winning three of their last four games. They aim for their fourth win in five tries after overcoming a 21-point deficit to beat the Orlando Magic 109-93 on Tuesday. It was Toronto’s first victory this season when trailing at halftime.
Key Players:
- Scottie Barnes: Averaging 19.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, Barnes’ development has been a highlight in an otherwise forgettable season for the Raptors. His defensive prowess has also drawn praise from his head coach.
- RJ Barrett: Leading the young Toronto core, Barrett averages 22.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.
Road Struggles: Despite their recent successes, the Raptors have struggled mightily on the road, holding a dismal 1-19 record away from home. Their lone road victory came against New Orleans on November 27.
Historical Context:
Atlanta has won three of the last four home games against Toronto since the start of the 2021-22 season. The Hawks will look to continue their home dominance against a Raptors team that has struggled to find consistency on the road.
