The Toronto Raptors were one of the surprises of the NBA last season after they dominated the Eastern Conference and squeaked into the playoffs. They lost in the first round to the Brooklyn Nets, but many predicted they were a team on the rise, something be proven true as the Raptors look to extend their win streak to six. To do so they will have to win on the road against an Atlanta Hawks team that is quickly finding their footing.
The Raptors are dominating as the best team in the East. They have a 12-2 record while winning their last 10 of 11 including a five-game win streak. They have won each game in that stretch by at least 17.0 points. DeMar DeRozan is currently leading the team with 20.2 points. Kyle Lowry, the big offseason re-sign is putting up 18.4 points while three other players are averaging double figures as well including Terrence Ross, proving their roster depth.
The Raptors are fresh off wins over Cleveland and Phoenix. Lou Williams put up 36 points against the Cavaliers while DeRozan helped put up 23 points in the 17-point blowout against the Suns. In that win the Raptors had 52 points in the paint while getting 24 points off turnovers. The last time they faced the Hawks was in the season opener where they held a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter.
The Hawks come in after a big win over the Washington Wizards. They are aiming to extend their own win streak to three games and hope a little homecourt advantage works in their favor. Jeff Teague was the star of the win with 28 points while Mike Scott and Shelvin Mack led the bench by combining for 30 points. During the win streak, Teague is putting up 26.3 points while Paul Millsap is having a nice contract season with 17.7 points per game.
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