Despite going back home the Hawks are coming off getting waxed by the Pistons on Friday and now things dont get any easier. They welcome to town on Saturday in the undervalued Raptors and even though being at home, the Raptors are searching like a value ATS.
The Hawks are fighting and its mainly because of their injury and suspension scenarios. John Collins is out because of suspension, which really limits the Hawks frontcourt. Kevin Huerter, who is most likely the best three-point shooter out Trae Young of the team is out for at least the next month, and rookie Cam Reddish is suspicious tonight after missing last nights match because of a wrist trauma.
Reddish is probably the second-best shot on the wing of the team too possibly with no two tonight, the Hawks have been in some trouble. After Young, who are the Raptors worried about beating tonight to them? Probably no one. They will double staff Young all game.
The Raptors are of course not out of the woods with accidents despite missing 2 of their best players, but the Hawks are not still larger than their depth and experience. The secret to the game might be the way rested the Raptors are. Toronto has not played so they have had lots of time.
Atlanta is playing its third game which is not likely to assist their defense. Atlanta has allowed 113.6 points per 100 possessions this season, which ranks 27th in the NBA. Within their last eight games, the Hawks are even worse on defense, even with a defensive rating of 122.8. Combine that with their tough traveling and games schedule recently and they are going to give up a ton of points.
Though the Hawks defense has been falling apart within their last eight matches, when you take a look at the Raptors last eight games, their defense has been outstanding. Theyre allowing 102.8 points per 100 possessions over their last eight years, which positions fifth-best during that identical stretch for all 30 teams.
Toronto has also been better on defense opposed to out of Air Canada Centre. They allow just 101.1 points per 100 possessions in their road games and while they have lost some tough road games this year they have generally beaten teams they are supposed to conquer.
Fred VanVeet could be suited to shield Young because of his quickness and ability to guard on the chunk, although being Kyle Lowry is going to hurt a few. Assuming they force Young to become more of a distributor instead of some shooter and scorer, I might observe the Hawks very restricted on offense if Reddish misses another match.
Outside of Young, the Hawks have struggled shooting the ball. They own just a 30.5 three-point shooting percentage this year and that does not appear much at home. Contemplating the stout shield of Toronto and their legs, I am backing the Raptors about the first half and game here. I simply cant find the Hawks hanging within this sport long. Look in their third match in four days here for a similar result considering they have dropped seven of their last nine games with double figures.
My Picks: Raptors -3.5 1st Half and -7.5 Complete Game with Bovada
Jordans NBA Picks: 17-12
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