Toronto-raptors vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions December 29th 2024

Toronto-Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks December 29th 2024

At 6:00 ET, the Toronto Raptors (7-24) will host the Atlanta Hawks (17-15) in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Hawks are currently favored by 1.5 points, and they have won three straight games. On the other hand, the Raptors have lost nine in a row and are 14th in the East.

This game will be played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto and can be seen on TSN. The over/under line is set at 237.5.

Hawks vs. Raptors Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Atlanta Hawks at Toronto Raptors
• Where: Toronto at Scotiabank Arena
• Date: Sunday, December 29th
• Betting Odds ATL -1.5, ATL -123 | TOR +103 O/U 237.5

The Hawks Can Win If…

The Hawks improved to 17-15 on the season with a 120-110 win over the Heat on Saturday. Playing at home, Atlanta entered the game as 1-point favorites and covered the spread with the 10-point victory.

Atlanta jumped out to a 35-28 lead after the 1st quarter, but Miami responded by taking the 2nd quarter 30-26. The Hawks regained control in the 3rd, outscoring the Heat 32-26, and held a 93-84 lead going into the 4th. They edged Miami 27-26 in the final quarter. The game’s total points of 230.5 narrowly exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 227.5.

Jalen Johnson’s 28 points and 13 rebounds led the Hawks to a win over the Heat, as he shot 65% from the field. De’Andre Hunter added 26 points, hitting 4 threes at 57.1% efficiency, while Garrison Mathews also connected on 4 threes, finishing with 18 points and shooting 62.5% overall.

As a team, the Hawks made 15 threes, shooting 40.5% from beyond the arc and 51.2% from the field. Johnson and Hunter each scored 8 points in the 4th quarter, with Hunter also adding 8 in the 1st.

Defensively, the Hawks held the Heat to 110 points on Saturday, giving up 28 in the 1st quarter and 30 in the 2nd. They tightened up in the 2nd half, allowing just 26 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters.

Atlanta limited Miami to 44% shooting, including 31% from beyond the arc, where the Heat hit 13 threes. The Hawks sent Miami to the line 18 times, where they made 17 free throws. Atlanta also collected 38 defensive rebounds, gave up 8 offensive boards, and recorded 7 steals.

• In their last ten games away from home, the Hawks have a straight up record of 5-5 while going 4-6 vs. the spread. The team averaged 113 points per game in this stretch.
• Atlanta has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 2-1 SU and 2-1 ATS in their last three games.
• Over their last three games, the Hawks have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

The Raptors Can Win If…

The Raptors fell to 7-24 on the season after a 155-126 road loss to the Grizzlies on Thursday. Toronto entered the game as +11.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 281 points exceeded the O/U line of 241 by 40 points.

Toronto kept pace in the 2nd quarter, matching Memphis with 35 points, but the Grizzlies pulled away by outscoring the Raptors 43-30 in the 3rd. Heading into the 4th quarter down 121-100, Toronto couldn’t mount a comeback, as Memphis outscored them 34-26 in the final period.

In their 155-126 loss to the Grizzlies, the Raptors shot 45.4% from the field and 32.6% from three-point range, connecting on 14 threes. RJ Barrett led the way with 27 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds, shooting 55.6% from the field and hitting 2 threes at 40%.

Scottie Barnes added 26 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, also making 2 threes at 40% and shooting 50% overall. Chris Boucher contributed 15 points, shooting 50% and hitting 2 threes at 40% as well.

The Raptors struggled defensively against the Grizzlies, giving up 155 points in the loss. Toronto allowed 43 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters, and Memphis shot 53% from the field overall.

From beyond the arc, the Grizzlies hit 18 threes at a 40% clip. Memphis also went 21/29 from the free-throw line. The Raptors gave up 24 offensive rebounds while recording 8 steals and 3 blocks.

• Across their five previous home games, Toronto has an ATS mark of 2-3. Their straight up record in these matchups was 1-4 while averaging 117 points per game.
• In their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Raptors have a straight up record of 2-8 and an ATS mark of 6-3-1.
• In their last five games, the Raptors have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 3-1-1 vs. the spread.

The Lean

As the underdogs with a spread of +1.5, we recommend going with the Raptors on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 237.5 and our model has the Hawks and Raptors finishing with a combined 286 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Raptors Implored to Find Fight vs. Hawks

The Toronto Raptors aim to bounce back from a franchise-worst defensive performance when they host the surging Atlanta Hawks on Sunday evening.

Raptors Seek Redemption After Historic Loss

Toronto’s 155-126 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday marked the most points the team has allowed in its history, extending its losing streak to nine games. Coach Darko Rajakovic, visibly frustrated, was ejected in the fourth quarter after voicing his displeasure with officiating.

“I will always stand up for my guys,” Rajakovic said on Saturday. “I wanted to send a message that we needed to fight until the last minute.”

Rajakovic stressed the need for resilience, emphasizing the Raptors’ identity as a team that battles every night, regardless of injuries. Center Jakob Poeltl (groin) and forward Bruce Brown (knee) could return on Sunday, bolstering Toronto’s chances. Brown, who underwent knee surgery, is yet to make his season debut.

Hawks Riding Momentum into Six-Game Road Trip

The Atlanta Hawks (17-11) head into the matchup on a three-game winning streak, highlighted by an explosive fourth quarter in Thursday’s 141-133 win over the Chicago Bulls. The Hawks scored a franchise-record 50 points in the final period, erasing a 15-point deficit with a 31-7 surge.

Jalen Johnson has emerged as a key factor for Atlanta, delivering back-to-back dominant performances. Johnson scored 30 points with 15 rebounds against the Bulls and followed it with 28 points and 13 rebounds in Saturday’s 120-110 win over the Miami Heat.

“Jalen is a connector,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “Good things happen—whether that’s his ability to get to the rim, finding a teammate, or making defensive plays.”

The Hawks are navigating injuries, as center Larry Nance Jr. (right hand) exited Saturday’s game and Onyeka Okongwu (knee) remains sidelined. Nance had been a key bench contributor, posting 10 points and 10 rebounds before the injury.

Key Matchups to Watch

Raptors’ Defense vs. Jalen Johnson

Toronto will need to contain Johnson, who has averaged 29 points and 14 rebounds over the past two games. His versatility as a scorer and playmaker has catalyzed Atlanta’s recent success.

Hawks’ Bench Depth

De’Andre Hunter has provided a spark off the bench, scoring 25 and 26 points in the past two games. Toronto must find answers for Atlanta’s second unit, which has excelled even amid injuries.

Toronto’s Energy and Execution

With potential reinforcements in Poeltl and Brown, the Raptors must bring defensive intensity and limit turnovers to end their skid. Toronto allowed 21 fast-break points to Memphis, a trend they must reverse against Atlanta’s high-octane offense.

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What to Expect

Toronto must rediscover its defensive identity to avoid a 10th straight loss, while Atlanta will look to carry its offensive momentum into the first leg of a lengthy road trip. Expect a high-energy battle as both teams look to prove their mettle.