Atlanta Hawks vs Toronto Raptors Betting Preview

Date & Time: Thursday, April 7, 8:00 PM

Venue: Philips Arena (Atlanta, Georgia)

Head to head record

Toronto Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks 105-97 (2015/2016 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks 104-96 (2015/2016 NBA)
Atlanta Hawks vs Toronto Raptors 86-96 (2015/2016 NBA)
Atlanta Hawks vs Toronto Raptors 80-105 (2014/2015 NBA)
Toronto Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks 89-110 (2014/2015 NBA)

Atlanta Hawks vs Toronto Raptors prediction

Toronto Raptors will be looking to record their fifth consecutive win over Atlanta Hawks when the two teams take on each other at Philips Arena on Thursday evening. Mike Budenholzer’s men outplayed Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry against Raptors.

Hawks eager to put an end to the negative trend

Atlanta Hawks have been having their ups and downs of late. Following back-to-back defeats to the likes of Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers Mike Budenholzer’s team recorded a routine 103-90 win over Phoenix Suns in their last league game. Hawks have already secured their spot in the NBA play-offs, but the team’s main goal is to finish the regular part of the season in top four in the Eastern Conference. The regulars season will end on April 13, 2016, meaning that Thursday’s clash against Toronto is of big importance for Atlanta, who are eager to put an end to their four-game losing run in meetings with Raptors. Despite struggling with wrist injury Kent Bazemore scored 17 points in the win over Suns and he is likely to prove a handful for Raptors. You should have in mind that Atlanta are eyeing their 26th home win of the season.

The likes of Muscala and Hinrich did not play against Phoenix Suns, but they could return against Raptors. Kent Bazemore is obviously fit and he should start the match.

Hawks suit Raptors

As expected, Toronto Raptors suffered a 102-95 loss to San Antonio in Texas, but they quickly bounced back from the defeat, with the team beating Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Dwane Casey’s charges sit in second place in the Eastern Conference and they will be looking to strengthen their grip on a spot in top two with a victory over Atlanta Hawks. Raptors are eyeing their fifth consecutive win over Hawks, but beating Mike Budenholzer’s troops at Philips Arena is easier said than done. The team’s key player DeMar DeRozan produced a thrilling display in the victory over Hornets, scoring 26 points, while adding six assists. Unlike previous years, Toronto have a good record on the road this season, with the team recording 21 wins, while suffering 18 defeats away from home. Anyhow, a win over Atlanta should help Raptors cement second position in the Eastern Conference.

The likes of Daniels, Gutierez, Hansbrough and Harrison did not enter the court against Hornets (coach decision), but Dwane Casey has no fresh injury worries ahead of the trip to Atlanta.

Interesting Facts

• Atlanta recorded eight wins in last ten home games
• Hawks scored 100+ points in each of their last seven home matches
• Toronto are after their fifth consecutive win over Atlanta
• DeMar DeRozan scored 26 points in the last meeting between the two teams
• Raptors are averaging 102.7 points this season
• Toronto conceded under 100 points in each of last four meetings with Atlanta

Atlanta Hawks vs Toronto Raptors betting pick

Atlanta Hawks are desperate to stop the run of four consecutive defeats against Toronto Raptors, but seeing that Dwane Casey’s team recorded three wins in last four games, I am not tempted to put my money on the hosts. When Atlanta and Toronto take on each other in NBA a low-scoring affair is guaranteed and given the importance of the clash for both sides, under 199.5 points bet appears on the cards.

Pick: Under 199.5 points

Odds: -110