Atlanta Hawks vs Toronto-raptors Picks and Predictions January 25th 2025

Hawks Try to Avoid Two-Game Sweep to Visiting Raptors

The Atlanta Hawks will try to avoid a two-game home sweep when they host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night at State Farm Arena.

The Hawks have lost three straight games, including Thursday’s 122-119 defeat to the Raptors, and are just 11-9 at home this season. Meanwhile, Toronto has won four of its last five games and is looking to take the season series against Atlanta.

Raptors Gaining Momentum on the Road

Toronto (18-31) snapped a three-game road losing streak with Thursday’s win, earning just its second road victory of the season.

Catch the Latest NBA Picks Today! Access NBA basketball picks today for the latest insights.

Scottie Barnes Continues to Shine

• Barnes scored 25 points, including the game-winning basket with 55 seconds left in Thursday’s win.
• The young star has taken on a leadership role, averaging 20.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists this season.

Coach Darko Rajakovic is embracing the back-to-back setup, treating it as a mini-playoff series for his young team:

“I love this setup. It forces us to adjust, analyze, and see how we respond. It’s a great experience for our young guys.”

Turnovers Are a Problem for Toronto

• The Raptors committed 20 turnovers on Thursday, leading to 28 Atlanta points.
• Toronto averages 15.5 turnovers per game, and Rajakovic knows they must clean it up:

“It’s impossible to win consistently with that many turnovers. We need to be more disciplined and aware of their defensive pressure.”

Hawks Battling Injuries, Need Bounce-Back Win

Atlanta (24-25) has lost three straight games and is playing shorthanded, missing multiple key players.

Jalen Johnson Out Again

• Johnson suffered a left shoulder injury on Thursday and has already been ruled out for Saturday’s game.
• The young forward was averaging 18.9 points and 10 rebounds since returning from a previous shoulder issue.

Clint Capela & Zaccharie Risacher Also Out

• Capela missed Thursday’s game with a sore right knee and is questionable for Saturday.
• Risacher remains out with a left adductor strain and won’t return until next week at the earliest.

Bogdan Bogdanovic Finding His Shooting Touch

• Bogdanovic scored 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting, breaking out of a cold streak in which he made just 4 of 29 three-pointers in his previous five games.

Trae Young (18 points on Thursday) needs to be more aggressive after being limited by Toronto’s defense.

“We need Bogi to play that way. We need him to make shots,” Young said. “He was a big reason we got back in the game.”

Looking To Maximize Your Wins?

Get Accurate NBA Predictions And Insights Now!

Sign Up!

Key Matchups & X-Factors

1. Trae Young vs. Davion Mitchell

• Mitchell started in place of the injured Immanuel Quickley (groin) and did a solid job containing Young.
• Young will need to be more aggressive and find ways to break through Toronto’s perimeter defense.

2. Scottie Barnes vs. De’Andre Hunter

• Barnes took over late in Thursday’s game, and Hunter must be more physical to slow him down.
• Toronto thrives when Barnes dictates the offense.

3. Raptors’ Turnovers vs. Hawks’ Transition Game

• Atlanta scored 28 points off turnovers in Thursday’s game.
• If Toronto can limit giveaways, the Raptors have a strong chance to complete the sweep.

Final Prediction: Can the Hawks Respond?

With Atlanta missing key players like Jalen Johnson and Clint Capela, the Raptors have an opportunity to steal another road win.

However, if Trae Young and Bogdanovic step up offensively, and the Hawks continue forcing turnovers, they should even the season series at home.