The Toronto Raptors have recovered from a precarious position by winning three of their past four games and will attempt to assert themselves as 5.5-point underdogs in their matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.
Let us refrain from excessive enthusiasm. The Raptors now possess the third-worst record in the NBA and aim to maintain this status for the forthcoming draft. One method to achieve this is by exchanging valued assets.
My predictions for the Raptors versus Hawks are directed towards you, Bruce Brown. My NBA selections for the Eastern Conference contest scheduled to commence at 7:30 PM ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta are as follows.
Prediction for Raptors versus Hawks
My selection for the Raptors is Bruce Brown. Exceeding 9.5 Points (-105 at PointsBet Canada)
My assessment
Bruce Brown was included in the trade for Pascal Siakam when the Toronto Raptors transferred their former All-Star to the Indiana Pacers, and the moment Brown arrived in Toronto, speculation began regarding when his new team would trade him.
Although he has remained longer than anticipated, speculation is resurfacing as the February 6 trade deadline approaches.
Brown has spoken commendable statements, and following an injury-plagued first half of the season, he appears to be enhancing his trade worth, making him an appealing option for potential contenders seeking to strengthen their lineups.
Brown exhibited the finest performance of his career last season with the Pacers, averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 9.6 assists; but, he has evidently lacked the same vigour with Toronto. Injuries have evidently contributed to this, since he has participated in only 10 games with the Raptors this season.
Nonetheless, it seems that the impact bench player is reverting to that role once more. Brown is averaging 10.6 points in his previous five games, including an impressive 46.2% shooting from 3-point range. It is evident that he has been instructed to shoot more frequently, as he has taken at least nine shots in four of the five games during that period.
Brown’s most recent two games have been remarkable, achieving 6-for-11 for 17 points against Milwaukee and 5-for-11 for 15 points in the Raptors’ last match against Orlando.
This evening, Brown’s point total is set at a modest 9.5 for the contest against the Atlanta Hawks. Although the Hawks have made progress this season, the defence remains a work in progress.
Atlanta approaches this game positioned 18th in defensive rating and 28th in opponent effective field goal percentage. The Hawks’ primary issue lies on the perimeter, as they permit the third-highest number of 3-point attempts and possess the third-lowest opponent 3-point shooting %.
I anticipate that Brown will continue to enhance his performance and get double-digit points for the fourth time in six games.
