Hawks Face Tough Test Against Raptors as Eastern Conference Battle Heats Up
There’s a lot of buzz building around the latest Eastern Conference matchup, as the Atlanta Hawks are set to take on the Toronto Raptors in what feels like a crucial moment for both teams. This game is being played in Toronto, and it’s one of those contests where the standings, recent form, and individual star performances all seem to collide at the same time.
Right now, Toronto has been sitting comfortably in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 21–15 record, while Atlanta has been trying to stay afloat at 17–20, currently holding the 10th spot. On paper, it may look like the Raptors have the upper hand, but games like this are rarely decided by records alone. What stands out immediately is how well Toronto has handled conference opponents this season. An 18–10 record against the East suggests consistency, and a big reason for that has been their ball movement. The Raptors have been ranked among the best teams in the league when it comes to assists, with nearly 30 per game, and that style of play has allowed multiple scorers to thrive.
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Scottie Barnes has continued to be the centerpiece for Toronto, scoring efficiently while shooting over 50 percent from the field. RJ Barrett has also been finding his rhythm lately, especially from beyond the arc, where he has been knocking down four three-pointers per game over the last stretch. This balance has made Toronto difficult to defend, particularly at home.
Atlanta, on the other hand, has been far more unpredictable. The Hawks have struggled against Eastern Conference teams and haven’t had much luck in close games. Still, their offense has been explosive, and that’s where Jalen Johnson has been making a major impact. His all-around numbers — points, rebounds, and assists — show just how central he has become to Atlanta’s game plan. When he’s clicking, the Hawks are capable of putting pressure on any defense.
These two teams have already seen plenty of each other this season, with this matchup marking their fourth meeting. The most recent encounter didn’t go Atlanta’s way, as Toronto pulled away for a convincing win, highlighted by a strong scoring night from Barrett. That result is likely still fresh in the minds of the Hawks, and it wouldn’t be surprising if it’s used as motivation heading into this one.
Recent form adds another layer to the story. Toronto has been steady over its last ten games, while Atlanta has struggled despite putting up big scoring numbers. Defensive lapses have hurt the Hawks, and tightening things up on that end is expected to be a priority.
With injuries also lingering on both sides, this game feels like a measuring stick. For Toronto, it’s about maintaining momentum and protecting home court. For Atlanta, it’s a chance to prove they can compete with a top conference rival when it matters most.
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