The Toronto Raptors went from a promising young team starting to gradually put things together to a complete mishmash of half-baked ideas further away from winning basketball than ever before. Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks coming to town will not be what this team needs.
Hawks-Raptors games in the last few years have usually been down-to-the-wire heartbreakers that often leave one fanbase with the heads in their palms for weeks. Even with the Raptors struggling to pick up wins this season, this game could be a good measuring stick for the team.
The Raptors could pick up a win against a quality opponent, which could help turn the tide in theri favor. A loss would not only be tough to watch, but the depression factor would be multiplied by the fact the Raptors play Atlanta again on Friday.
Hoopin’ from home tonight
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 13, 2023
It’s @TangerineHoops Raptors Game Day pic.twitter.com/qPFBx4Txnc
Otto Porter Jr. Injury Status for tonight’s Raptors vs. Hawks game
Porter has been ruled questionable for this game after suffering a foot contusion against the Hornets. Porter has played just 19 games since the start of last year due to injuries and Porter reinjured the same foot he has issued with in the past, so the Raptors are being overly cautious.
Trae Young Injury Status for tonight’s Raptors vs. Hawks game
Young has been deemed probable for this contest with a shoulder injury. While Toronto has lost games to Miami without Bam Adebayo and Charlotte without LaMelo Ball recently, it doesn't take a genius to see that Atlanta is much more dangerous with Young's terrific scoring in the fold.
Projected Starting Lineups Tonight
Toronto
PG Dennis Schroder
SG OG Anunoby
SF Scottie Barnes
PF Pascal Siakam
C Jakob Poeltl
Atlanta
PG Trae Young
SG Dejounte Murray
SF Saddiq Bey
PF De'Andre Hunter
C Clint Capela
Toronto Raptors next five opponents
The Raptors' schedule includes yet another game against the Hawks and another duel with the Hornets team that beat them previously. It doesn't get easier after this, as Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets will come to town right before they face Nick Nurse and the 76ers.
Dec. 15 vs. Atlanta Hawks
Dec. 18 vs. Charlotte Hornets
Dec. 20 vs. Denver Nuggets
Dec. 22 @ Philadelphia 76ers
Dec. 23 vs. Utah Jazz
Raptors injury report
Christian Koloko-OUT-Respiratory condition
Otto Porter Jr-QUESTIONABLE-Foot
Chris Boucher-QUESTIONABLE-Quad
Hawks injury report
Jalen Johnson-OUT-Wrist
Kobe Bufkin-OUT-Thumb
Mouhamed Gueye-OUT-Back
De'Andre Hunter-QUESTIONABLE-Knee
Trae Young-PROBABLE-Shoulder