Gameday: Raptors @ Hawks, Nov. 21

As fans of the Toronto Raptors, we’re in a weird spot right now. It’s been over 5 games since I was personally pleased with the team’s performance. Yet, we stand atop the NBA standings at 14-4. The teams that were supposed to rival us at the top of the Eastern Conference have had far more trouble than us (Celtics, 76ers). The Bucks are the only team that rivals us, albeit the Pacers fans are having a good time yelling: “Don’t forget about us!” right now.

How do we cheer for this team right now? The things we want most desperately aren’t even wins if we’re being honest. We want to see the beautiful basketball that was promised to us when Nick Nurse and Kawhi Leonard came into the fold. If the wins come with it, all the better.

Kyle Lowry, the team’s engine has been in terrible form as of late. Naturally, this has a large impact on the team, and the particular brand of basketball that the Raptors play. The Atlanta Hawks offer up a chance for the Raptors to rout a team and play to the team’s ability. Without a ton of stressors involved.

The Raptors are visiting one of the league’s worst teams, and hopefully a team that is uniquely equipped NOT to punish the Raptors current lack of depth. A budding matchup to watch for in today’s game is Jonas Valanciunas vs. whoever guards him. Valanciunas currently has the Raptors best DRTG (not the best defender, but improved) and his offense has been lacking the past few games. I’m expecting an explosive offensive game from ‘JV’ and this could go a long way to creating space for some of the Raptors guards.

In addition to the advantage the Raptors possess in the front-court, the Hawks are a particularly turnover prone team – they give up the most points off of TO’s in the league – which could jump-start Delon Wright and the bench. Nurse tinkered with a Siakam-bench lineup in the game against the Magic, and a unit like that could find a great deal of success playing on the break and in transition.

If Lowry plays tomorrow – he looks a bit worn out – he could have a much better time of things in a fast-paced game. The Hawks play the fastest pace in the league, and it would do Lowry some good to let the ball and his jumper do some work. The Hawks are much more lenient when guarding the ‘pnr’ and Lowry might just find rhythm.

In a game where Leonard-Anunoby-Miles-Powell are all likely out, Wright will most likely draw a lot of responsibility guarding Taurean Prince and Kent Bazemore. Malachi Richardson will definitely get minutes, but expect a heavy load for Wright in this one.

The Raptors are really shorthanded, but all things considered they should grab this one. Lowry is one of the East’s best point guards and Ibaka and ‘JV’ should have their way in the paint. This is as friendly a back-to-back as one can expect and the Hawks aren’t suited to give the Raptors fits. Fun thing: If Vince Carter scores 13 points, he’ll hit 25,000 points for his career.

Game Info

TV: TSN 7:30 EST | Radio: TSN 1050, for the latest betting promotions, check Xbet Canada, where you can get deals on various promotions.

Depth Chart & Injury Updates

Raptors

Leonard is expected to rest vs. Atlanta. The trio of Anunoby-Miles-Powell are all likely out for today’s game.

PG: Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Delon Wright, Lorenzo Brown

SG: Fred VanVleet, Delon Wright, Jordan Loyd

SF: Danny Green, Malachi Richardson

PF: Pascal Siakam

C: Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas, Greg Monroe, Chris Boucher

Hawks

Omari Spellman (hip) and Alex Poythress (ankle) are both doubtful to play today.