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Red-hot Raptors host Hawks at Scotiabank Arena

By Jordan Skuse

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 02: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on January 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 02: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on January 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors have won seven in a row and will be looking to make it eight on Tuesday when the Atlanta Hawks visit Scotiabank Arena. Toronto defeated Atlanta 122-117 on Jan. 20.

No doubt both teams are still reeling from the tragic news of Kobe Bryant‘s tragic passing in a helicopter crash — along with eight other victims, one being Bryant’s second eldest daughter, Gianna — but the Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks will do battle at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday, with the hosts in search of an eighth consecutive victory. Toronto is coming off a 110-106 win in San Antonio, the franchise’s first road win versus the Spurs in over a decade.

Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 35 points, 25 of which came in the opening quarter. The game began with consecutive 24-second shot clock violations, as both teams did so as a tribute to Bryant who wore #24 from 2007-2016.

Since losing a close one to Toronto in the two teams’ last meeting, the Hawks have won two of their last three games, but remain 15th in the Eastern Conference with a 12-35 record.

Considering how everybody is feeling in the basketball community, nothing can be taken for granted. Toronto should win this game, but anything is possible, especially in these unusual circumstances.

Both teams will be playing with heavy hearts that won’t likely get lighter any time soon.

#Kobe #Gigi #ninelives

R-H-J injury opens the door for Chris Boucher

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson rolled his ankle in Sunday’s game and many expect the high-energy forward to miss time as a result. The injury, while unfortunate, presents Chris Boucher with a golden opportunity to play after four consecutive DNP-CDs (if you eliminate his two stints in garbage time, Boucher hasn’t had his warmups off his six straight contests).

Earlier in the year, Boucher put up 13 points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes of action against the Hawks, helping Toronto win its 11th game of the season. Look for Nick Nurse to work Boucher into the rotation for as long as Hollis-Jefferson remains out.

Player to watch: Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka is averaging 16 points and eight rebounds in the month of January while shooting 51 percent from the field and 43 percent from beyond the arc. Case and point, Mafuzzy Chef is so hot right now.

However, Ibaka struggled against Atlanta back on Jan. 20, only managing eight points to go along with seven rebounds. It was the first time since Dec. 22 that Ibaka failed to score in double digits. This time around, one can bet Toronto will be looking to get Ibaka more involved.

Ibaka should see a slight uptick in minutes during Tuesday’s game after Marc Gasol logged a season-high, 36 minutes against the Spurs. Considering the Hawks don’t have any real “beef” down low, Nurse should be able to get away with playing Ibaka more than he would be able to against, say, a team like the Philadelphia 76ers.

Next. Four wishes for All-Star Weekend 2020. dark

Tip-off set for 7:30 pm EST.

Enjoy the game!

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