The Toronto Raptors return home to take on the Atlanta Hawks. This will be the first game of a mini two-game set between the teams. Both teams are currently on a four-game losing streak and are desperately seeking a win.
This should be an interesting matchup as the Hawks have one of the worst defenses in the league, but they are going against one of the worst offenses in the NBA in the Raptors.
The Hawks could also be shorthanded for this one. Jalen Johnson is ruled out. Atlanta’s first-round pick Kobe Bufkin is also out. Mouhamed Gueye, the younger brother of Raptors 905 forward Mouhamadou Gueye, is out as well. De’Andre Hunter is questionable with right knee soreness and Trae Young is probable with right shoulder soreness.
For the Raptors, Otto Porter Jr. and Chris Boucher are both questionable to play. Porter Jr. is dealing with a left foot injury while Boucher has a left thigh contusion. Christian Koloko remains out with ongoing respiratory issues.
The Hawks come into this game 3rd in the NBA in points per game.
Toronto’s defense was supposed to be good this season, but they have been average on that end of the court. Toronto is 17th in point per game allowed, 19th in field goal percentage allowed, and 24th in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Toronto is 15th in points per 100 possessions allowed and 18th in effective field goal percentage.
The Raptors defense might have their hands full again in this one.
Atlanta Hawks (9-13) vs. Toronto Raptors (9-14)
7:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: Sportnet
Projected Hawks Starting Lineup:
PG: Trae Young
SG: Dejounte Murray
SF: De’Andre Hunter
PF: Saddiq Bey
C: Clint Capela
Key Reserves: AJ Griffin, Oneyka Okongwu, Wesley Matthews
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Dennis Schroder
SG: O.G. Anunoby
SF: Scottie Barnes
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Gary Trent Jr., Malachi Flynn, Precious Achiuwa
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