As the new year begins, the Toronto Raptors prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks on January 3rd. This matchup comes on the heels of a disappointing loss to the Denver Nuggets. The Raptors are eager to secure a victory against a team in transition, particularly with rumors swirling around their star player, Trae Young.
Toronto Raptors Overview
The Raptors currently hold a record of 20 wins and 15 losses, placing them fourth in the Eastern Conference. Their offensive rating stands at 113.7, ranking 20th in the league, while their defensive rating is 112.5 (5th in the league), resulting in a net rating of +1.2 (13th overall).
In their last three games, Toronto has shown improvement offensively, climbing to 16th in league rankings during that stretch. The return of RJ Barrett has boosted their performance, providing more opportunities for rim attacks. Additionally, the bench players have stepped up significantly, helping the Raptors overcome challenging situations in recent matches.
Atlanta Hawks Analysis
Atlanta’s record stands at 17-19, placing them 10th in the Eastern Conference. Their offensive rating is 114.8 (15th), while their defensive rating is 115.2 (17th), leading to a net rating of -0.4 (16th).
The Hawks are coming off a big victory against the New York Knicks, playing the second game of a back-to-back. Notably, Atlanta has performed well in Young’s absence, winning two of their last three games. They recently dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Knicks, showcasing a fast-paced and free-flowing offense.
Without Young on the court, the Hawks have improved their ball movement and transitioned effectively following solid defensive plays. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has emerged as a key player, significantly raising his scoring average to 20 points per game. Jalen Johnson, also a prominent offensive force, has made a compelling case for an All-Star selection with his versatile scoring capabilities.
Matchup Insights
- Key Players: Toronto relies on RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, and Scottie Barnes. Atlanta counters with Alexander-Walker and Johnson.
- Defensive Strength: Atlanta’s strong wing defenders pose a challenge for Toronto’s offense, particularly in navigating screens.
- Game Strategy: Toronto aims to maintain a dominant performance throughout the game, while Atlanta will look to control the pace and ball movement.
Game Details
The game is set to tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena. Fans can catch the action on Sportsnet.
Projected Starting Lineups
| Atlanta Hawks | Toronto Raptors |
|---|---|
| PG: Nickeil Alexander-Walker | PG: Immanuel Quickley |
| SG: Dyson Daniels | SG: RJ Barrett |
| SF: Zacharie Risacher | SF: Brandon Ingram |
| PF: Jalen Johnson | PF: Scottie Barnes |
| C: Onyeka Okongwu | C: Sandro Mamukelashvili |
Injury Report
- Toronto Raptors: Jakob Poeltl (Back) – Out
- Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young (Knee) – Out
With both teams facing challenges, the January 3rd matchup promises to be a thrilling contest. The Raptors hope to capitalize on their recent improvements, while the Hawks aim to maintain their momentum without their star point guard.
