Toronto Raptors vs. Atlanta Hawks Predictions 2/26/22

Toronto Raptors (32-26 SU, 33-24-1 ATS) vs. Atlanta Hawks (28-31 SU, 26-33-0 ATS)
When: Saturday February 26 2022, 07:30 PM (ET)
Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
TV: TSN

Point Spread: TOR +2/ATL -2 (Opened at ATL -2.5 at BetNow)
Total: 225.0 (Opened at 224.5)
Money Line: Toronto Raptors +110/Atlanta Hawks -136
Power Rating: ATL -2

Probable Starting Lineups

Toronto Raptors PG Fred VanVleet, SG Gary Trent, SF Scottie Barnes, PF Pascal Siakam, C Khem Birch
Atlanta Hawks PG Trae Young, SG Kevin Huerter, SF De’Andre Hunter P, PF Danilo Gallinari, C Clint Capela

Key Injuries

Raptors No Reported Injuries

Hawks John Collins: heel (OUT) Gorgui Dieng: personal (QUESTIONABLE)

The Atlanta Hawks host the Toronto Raptors in an Eastern Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET at State Farm Arena, Atlanta.

Recent Form

The Toronto Raptors come into this game with an overall record of 32-26, placing them 7th in the Eastern Conference. So far, Toronto is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 16-13. Over the Raptors’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. In this stretch, Toronto’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 107.0 points per game. Combined, the Raptors’ last five opponents are giving up 112.0 points per contest. A key reason for Toronto’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 113.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 107.2. In the Toronto Raptors’ most recent game, the team fell to Chicago by a score of 125-93.

The Atlanta Hawks come into this game with an overall record of 28-31, placing them 10nd in the Eastern Conference. So far, Atlanta is above .500 at home, holding a record of 17-13. Over the Hawk’s last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. During this stretch, Atlanta is averaging 116.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 112.2. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 108.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Hawk’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 116.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 111.8. In the Atlanta Hawks’ most recent game, the team fell to Chicago by a score of 112-108.

Individual Player Analysis

As Toronto travels to take on the Atlanta Hawks, the Raptors’ leading scorer is Pascal Siakam. Through 44 games, Siakam is averaging 21 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 48.0% of his games. So far, the Hawks are allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 47.73% of their games, placing them 12nd among NBA defenses. On the other side, Trae Young leads the Hawks in scoring, averaging 27 points across his 53 games. Throughout the season, Young has outscored his season average in 55.0% of his outings. On the season, the Raptors have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 48.94% of their games, giving them a rank of 14th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

The Hawks come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 111.4 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Atlanta is winning at a rate of 59%. These wins are coming by an average margin of 13.0 points. On the other side, the Raptors hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 15 games as the better defensive team, picking up 9 wins.

The Historicals

Tonight’s matchup between the Raptors and Hawks will be their third meeting of the season. So far, Toronto has taken both games.

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How the Public is Betting the Raptors vs Hawks

55% are betting the Hawksagainst the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 225.5

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Raptors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Raptors are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss.
• Hawks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Hawks are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

In this matchup, look for the Hawks to pick up the win and cover the spread. The Raptors head to Atlanta having just played last night in a loss to Charlotte. I expect the Raptors to struggle to keep up with Atlanta’s offense, as they are the most efficient three-point shooting team in the NBA. Defensively, the Raptors are 19th in three-point shooting percentage allowed. So far, Toronto’s opponents are hitting 35% of their three-point attempts.