Raptors vs. Hawks prediction, odds, pick, spread

These two teams are playing very well going into this match. The Hawks have more to believe, but this is an interesting matchup between two of the hottest teams in the NBA. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Raptors-Hawks predictions and picks.

The Raptors have struggled this season, but have won three of their last four games to improve to 11-32. RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes are the Raptors’ best players, and they will be asked to once again carry the Raptors in a very winnable game on the road against the Hawks. Atlanta is also playing well, so winning this game would be a big statement for them.

The Hawks have talent but can’t seem to find any consistency as a team. They are 22-20 and have won four of their last six games. Trae Young is the biggest key for the Hawks, but Jaylen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter have also been very helpful alongside him on the wing. This would be a huge win against the Raptors as they are also playing very well in this matchup.

Here’s Raptors-Hawks NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Raptors-Hawks odds

Toronto Raptors: +6.5 (-114)

Moneiline: +215

Atlanta Hawks: -6.5 (-106)

Moneilines: -260

Over: 234.5 (-110)

Under: 234.5 (-110)

How to watch Raptors vs. Hawks

Time: 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why the Raptors could cover the spread/win

The Hawks’ defense was the complete opposite of their offense, and it was a rough year. They are 28th in points allowed, at 119 points per game, 23rd in field goal percentage, at 47.5%, and 29th in three-point defense, at 37.7% from behind the arc.

Down low, Jaylen Johnson has been a beast and leads the team in rebounds with 10.3 per game and blocks with 1.1 per game. Finally, five players are averaging at least one steal per game, with Dyson Daniels leading the way with 3.1. This defense has struggled this year, and this matchup against the Raptors isn’t great against it.

Why the Hawks could cover the spread/win

The Hawks offense is the best unit in this game. They are sixth in scoring at 117 points per game, 16th in field goal percentage at 46.3% from the field and 19th in three-point shooting at 35.3% from behind the arc. Eight players are averaging double-digit points, with Trae Young as the best player on the roster, averaging 23.3 points per game.

Young also leads the team in assists with 11.7 per game, which is the best in the entire NBA. Young is the Hawks’ best player, and they go as he goes, especially on offense. Johnson and De’Andre Hunter were great from the Atlanta wings with their scoring and helped provide a spark on offense in addition to Young. Johnson and Young are dealing with injuries but should be available for this game. They should score easily, especially at home.

The Raptors offense has been inconsistent and, at worst, struggling. They are 20th in scoring at 110.9 points per game, 12th in field goal percentage at 46.7% and 22nd in three-point shooting at 34.6% from behind the arc. Seven Raptors scored more than double-digit points this year, and the top scorer is RJ Barrett with 22.3 points per game.

Scottie Barnes is the team’s leading passer and leads the team in assists with 6.6 per game, but two other players average at least six assists per game. This offense has plenty of roster balance and some really good talent, but lacks consistency. They should be able to score in this game because Atlanta’s defense is terrible.

The Raptors defense had a rough year. They are 26th in points allowed at 117.9 points per game, 22nd in field goal percentage defense at 47.2%, and 24th in three-point percentage at 36.9% from behind the arc. Jakob Poetl was a great fall, dominating with 10.4 rebounds per game. He also leads the team in blocks with 1.2.

As for their on-ball defense, two Raptors are averaging at least one steal, and Barnes has tied Poetl for the team lead with 1.5 steals per game. This is a terrible matchup for this defense as the Hawks should score extremely well in this game, especially at home.

Final prediction and selection of Raptors-Hawks

The Hawks have the best unit in this game with their offense. They should score relatively easily in this game against a Raptors team that has had all kinds of consistency issues as a team offensively and defensively. Trae Young is the best player on the court and the biggest key in this game. RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes are great, but they can’t go it alone. The Hawks win and cover in this home matchup.

Final prediction and pick Raptors-Hawks: Hawks -6.5 (-106)