These Toronto Raptors may have some claws after all. The Raptors are playing their best basketball of the season, winning four of their last five games, and now will go for back-to-back road wins over the Atlanta Hawks.
Toronto upset Atlanta 122-119 as five-point underdogs on Thursday night thanks to some major contributions from the bench, and my Raptors vs. Hawks predictions look at Bruce Brown, who is primed for a repeat performance.
Here are my NBA picks for this Eastern Conference matchup set to tip off at 7:30 pm ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Saturday, Jan. 25.
Raptors vs Hawks prediction
My Raptors pick
Bruce Brown 15+ Points (+210 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
Winning back-to-back games against the same team on their home court will always be tough, and if the Toronto Raptors want to pull that off, they’ll need a full team effort once again.
The Raptors got 48 points from the bench in Thursday’s 122-119 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Eighteen of those came from Bruce Brown. In doing so, Brown cashed our best bet in my last Raptors preview, Over 9.5 points, and I'm going back to that well tonight.
Brown was part of Pascal Siakam's return, and the second Brown landed in Toronto, the countdown was on as to when his new team would flip him. While he’s stuck around longer than expected, rumors are swirling once again now that the Feb. 6 trade deadline is approaching fast.
To his credit, Brown has said all the right things. After missing much of the first half of the season with injuries, it looks like he and the Raps are trying to improve his trade value.
It’s clear Toronto is asking Brown to put up more shots. The versatile guard has attempted at least nine field goals in five of his last six games where he is averaging 11.8 points per game over that stretch. That’s more impressive, considering he put up a donut in the points column against the Warriors during that period.
Brown has also been confident with his 3-ball, shooting 43.8% from beyond the arc in those six games.
Now, sportsbooks have adjusted Brown’s point total a bit, bumping it up from 9.5 to 11.5, but I’m still not sure that’s enough. Brown has scored at least 14 points in four of his last six games, has scored 15+ in three straight, and gets another good matchup against a suspect Hawks defense.
Atlanta enters this game ranked 19th in defensive rating and 27th in opponent-effective field goal percentage. But the Hawks' biggest problem is on the perimeter where they allow the fourth most 3-point attempts while having the second-worst opponent 3-point shooting percentage.
I like Brown not only to go Over his point total again, but I like him to hit the 15-point plateau for the fourth straight game, giving us an awesome +210 pay day.
Raptors vs Hawks same-game parlay
Bruce Brown 15+ points
Jakob Poeltl 15+ points
Jakob Poeltl 10+ rebounds
The Hawks look like they’ve had their wings clipped by the injury report. Jalen Johnson has already been ruled out while Trae Young is questionable for this game with a hamstring injury. While center Clint Capela, who missed Thursday’s matchup with a knee injury, is considered day-to-day for tonight.
That has me looking to the inside at Raptors center Jakob Poeltl. The Raps' big man is averaging 14.7 points, and he cooked Hawks’ backup center Onyeka Okongwu, going 7-for-10 from the floor for 17 points. Atlanta already struggled to defend the interior, ranking 23rd in opponent points in the paint.
Johnson and Capela also combine to average 19 rebounds per game this season. If Capela can’t go, the Raps should have their way on the boards.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on Raptors basketball at PointsBet Canada
Looking to bet on some Raptors action?
Sign up now at PointsBet, one of Canada's favourite books for new bettors!
19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Raptors vs Hawks odds
Raptors vs Hawks live odds
Raptors vs Hawks opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +3.5 | Atlanta -3.5
- Moneyline: Toronto +135 | Atlanta -160
- Over/Under: Over 236.5 | Under 236.5
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Hawks spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors opened this Eastern Conference matchup as 3.5-point road underdogs, but early bettors have sided with the home team, moving the spread to 4.5.
- This opening line is obviously respecting the Raptors' last win and the current Hawks injury situation. With Jalen Johnson already out, I would lean toward Toronto at the current number, with the potential of getting a good number if Trae Young ends up not playing.
- The total hit the board at a lofty 236.5, and the early action has been on the Under, dropping the number to 234.5 as of Saturday morning.
- Once again this feels like a play that is respecting the Hawks injury situation. Thursday's meeting did go Over the closing total of 237.5, and both teams are generally Over teams with high pace and shoddy defense. I would wait on the total until some of these injuries are confirmed.
Raptors vs Hawks trend
The Hawks have hit the game total Over in 40 of their last 60 games for +18.00 Units and a 27% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Hawks.
How to watch Raptors vs Hawks
| Location | State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia |
| Date | Friday, 1-24-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN SE, SN |
Raptors vs Hawks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
