Toronto Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks – NBA Preview – Jan 23, 2025

The Toronto Raptors (11-32) head to State Farm Arena to take on the Atlanta Hawks (22-21) on January 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET. This is the second matchup of the season between the two teams, with Atlanta claiming a dominant 136-107 victory in their first meeting on December 29, 2024.
The Hawks are coming off a tough 114-104 loss to the Detroit Pistons, while the Raptors are fresh off a rare road win, defeating the Orlando Magic 109-93. Both teams will look to capitalize on this game to improve their standings in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto Raptors Preview – Seeking Stability on the Road
Toronto has struggled mightily this season, sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference. Their road record of 1-19 highlights their inability to win away from home. However, they managed a surprising victory over Orlando on Tuesday, overcoming a 21-point deficit for their first win this season when trailing at halftime.
Scottie Barnes continues to be a bright spot for the Raptors, averaging 19.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. His defensive versatility has drawn praise, and he’s been tasked with guarding opponents’ best players. RJ Barrett also contributes with 22.3 points per game, but the team’s overall offense has struggled, ranking 20th in the league at 110.9 points per game.
Toronto will need to rely on its young core, including Barnes and Barrett, to remain competitive. Improved defense and limiting turnovers will be crucial if they hope to challenge the Hawks in this matchup.
Atlanta Hawks Preview – Bouncing Back at Home
The Hawks are in the thick of the playoff race, holding the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. However, their recent loss to Detroit exposed some issues, particularly their three-point shooting. Atlanta made just 6-of-38 attempts from beyond the arc, a season-low 15.8%.
Trae Young leads the Hawks with 23.1 points and an NBA-best 11.6 assists per game. Young was instrumental in their blowout win over Toronto in December, posting 34 points and 10 assists. Dyson Daniels has also emerged as a key contributor, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in their recent loss.
Atlanta has won three of its last four home games against Toronto. The Hawks will aim to take advantage of the Raptors’ poor road record and bounce back from their recent shooting woes. Consistent defensive effort and better execution from long range will be key.
Betting Prediction
Atlanta enters as a 4.5-point favorite, with the total set at 234.5. The Hawks’ offense, led by Trae Young, should have a significant edge over the struggling Raptors. Toronto’s inability to win on the road and Atlanta’s recent success at home make the Hawks the clear choice to cover the spread.
Projected final score: Atlanta 121, Toronto 109. Expect Atlanta to cover the spread, and the total to stay under due to Toronto’s inconsistent offense.
Pick: Atlanta -4.5, Under 234.5