Atlanta Hawks

Hawks (10-10) at Raptors (13-6): Preview

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Raptors’ homestand continues against the Hawks. Toronto’s offense has been clicking lately – will that continue against struggling Atlanta?

The Toronto Raptors play the first of three games this season against the Atlanta Hawks, whose season has turned upside-down. After 11 games, they had posted 9 wins; now they are 10-10. What’s that about?

The Hawks have managed to score exactly as many points as they have surrendered, meaning they are averaging 101 points per game [PG] either way. That’s a statistical fluke, or a sign of perfect equity, given their .500 record. Bizarreness aside, the Hawks are losing lately because they haven’t scored enough (aren’t you glad you read my posts – where else can you gain such insight?). They scored a century or more in 8 of their first 10 games, and 3 times in their second 10.

Atlanta’s formerly high-powered offense was badly damaged by the defection of Al Horford to the Boston Celtics in the off-season. Their grand poo-bah, Mike Budenholzer, [20-second timeout: He’s head coach and President of Basketball Operations. I’ve never understood the desire of people for multiple titles, or why executives grant their wishes – it’s too much] decided point guard Dennis Schroder was ready for the starter’s role, and traded incumbent Jeff Teague. Dwight Howard was brought in to play center. That’s a lot of change.

Injury woes

They are trying to stay afloat without top scorer Paul Millsap, who will miss tonight’s game due to a sore hip. He was absent against Detroit last night, and the Hawks were crushed. Versatile big man Tiago Splitter is also out, and for some time.

Meantime, longtime offensive spark Kyle Korver isn’t getting open nearly enough to put up his deadly 3-balls, though his percentage (40.5) is excellent. No one else has stepped up.

Apr 7, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots over Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Raptors 95-87. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

3 keys to Raptors victory

Apr 7, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) reacts after being struck in the face by Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) (front) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Raptors 95-87. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion & Final Score

The Raptors were able to sit DeMar DeRozan early against the Lakers, and DeMarre Carroll didn’t play. Both teams played last night, but Atlanta had to fly from their place to ours. So if anyone is fatigued, it’s the Hawks.

They are on a five-game losing skid, while the Raptors have won 5 straight. Both those streaks will continue.

Raptors 111 – Hawks 92