Raptors vs. Hawks Game Thread: Pre-game updates, TV info and more

The tail end of back-to-backs continue to be an exercise in depth for the Toronto Raptors, never more so than tonight.

Toronto arrives in Atlanta after a buzzer-beating 93-91 win (got the score right this time, guys) over Orlando, maybe not 100 per cent confident; certainly not 100 per cent healthy.

Along with Kawhi Leonard sitting out his usual back-to-back tonight, the Raptors won’t be getting any of the other injured wings back. It looked earlier in the week like C.J. Miles was spotting tonight’s game as a return. He sits tonight, however, along with OG Anunoby and Norman Powell.

Dealing with injuries of their own, the Hawks will be without Alex Len tonight, who was questionable to play with a sore back.

Who will play tonight? Kyle Lowry, of course! Lowry starts next to Fred VanVleet, with Jonas Valanciunas getting the Dwayne Dedmon matchup at the centre. Serge Ibaka will come off the bench.

The Raptors will be looking for their third straight win, hopefully more in the fashion of the Bulls win (total blowout) than last night’s Magic one (annoyingly close). Atlanta admittedly stinks right now at 3-14, but do have some upside in rookie Trae Young. Also, that gramophone music? Yes, that’s Vince Carter on the bench. He’s here too.

Regardless of their 41-year-old in the second unit, the Hawks play fast and loose — they’re tops in the NBA in pace. Expect a high scoring ball game, as Toronto will surely emulate some Raptors 905 stat lines tonight.

Now, let’s watch.

Where to Watch:

TSN, 7:30 PM EST

Lineups:

Toronto - Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Danny Green, Pascal Siakam, Jonas Valanciunas

Atlanta - Trae Young, Kent Bazemore, Taurean Prince, John Collins, Dewayne Dedmon

Injuries:

Toronto - Kawhi Leonard (out - load management), OG Anunoby (out -wrist), C.J. Miles (out - thigh), Norman Powell (out - shoulder)

Atlanta - Alex Len (out - sore back), Alex Poythress (out - ankle), Omari Spellman (out - hip)