The Toronto Raptors travel to Atlanta to take on the Hawks on Jan. 28.
The Raptors have lost 8 of their last 9 games and are experiencing life in a rebuild. Despite being 13 games under .500, the Raptors are only 2 games back of the Hawks who are tied with the Nets for the final play-in spot in the East.
However, the Raptors aren’t focused on trying to go for it now. The team has made it clear that they are prioritizing player development over wins and loses from here on out.
The Raptors will be in tough for this one as they have many key players on their injury report.
Per TSN’s Josh Lewenberg, RJ Barrett has been added to the Raptors’ injury report against Atlanta. He’s doubtful with left knee swelling. Poeltl (ankle) is also doubtful, Quickley (thigh) remains out and Jontay Porter (eye) is probable.
This means Scottie Barnes will have more of a load placed on him. Gradey Dick should continue to see more minutes in this game and Gary Trent Jr. will be expected to pick up the slack as well.
Meanwhile, the Hawks injury report is looking clean.
Toronto’s defense will have their hands full with the Hawks offense. The Raptors are 17th in points per game allowed and 23rd in field goal percentage allowed.
The Hawks defense is very mediocre but the Raptors offense has slowed down as of late and is average at best. They are 18th in point per game.
This one could turn into a track meet, but with the Raptors missing many of their premiere scorers it might be tough for them to keep up with Atlanta in this one.
Toronto Raptors (16-29) vs. Atlanta Hawks (18-27)
6:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, January 28, 2024
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
TV: TSN
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Dennis Schroder
SG: Gary Trent Jr.
SF: Bruce Brown
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Thaddeus Young
Key Reserves: Gradey Dick, Chris Boucher, Jordan Nwora
Projected Hawks Starting Lineup:
PG: Trae Young
SG: Dejounte Murray
SF: Jalen Johnson
PF: Shaddiq Bey
C: Clint Capela
Key Reserves: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Garrison Matthews, Onyeka Okongwu
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Scottie Barnes
SG: Gary Trent Jr.
SF: Bruce Brown
PF: RJ Barrett
C: Thaddeus Young
Key Reserves: Dennis Schroder, Chris Boucher, Gradey Dick
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