Entering the 2014 season, it was expected that the Toronto Raptors would likely lead the Eastern Conference or at least be one of the top teams outside of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Atlanta Hawks were expected to hoover somewhere close to the bottom thanks to an offseason of front office drama. However, approaching the All-Star break, the Atlanta Hawks currently sit at the top of the Eastern Conference, leading the Raptors by 4.5 games. Now they face off as the Hawks put their 10-game win streak on the line.
The Hawks are looking to beat their franchise-best win streak of 14 games. That could be a big challenge as they head on the road to face Toronto who have DeMar DeRozan back on the court after a 21-game absence thanks to a torn groin. Hawks starters Al Horford and Kyle Korver did not play in the win over Philadelphia so they will return to the court after getting rest.
The Hawks have won 10 straight road games after starting 1-4, but point guard Jeff Teague admits no one is getting excited considering it is just January. Teague is a big reason for the Hawks success as he is averaging 20.9 points on 51.7 percent shooting during the win streak. He had 22 points against Boston while ranking seventh amongst guards with 8.3 points in the paint.
The Raptors are hopeful getting DeRozan back helps propel the team back into the top of the Eastern Conference. DeRozan put up 20 points against the Philadelphia 76ers in his first game back while Kyle Lowry added another 24. Having both stars back and healthy will be the key to Toronto's season outlook. The Raptors are 3-7 when Lowry is struggling and DeRozan is out. Going 4-6 in their last 10 games, Toronto is looking to regain momentum heading into the All-Star break and DeRozan and Lowry will lead that effort.
Against the Hawks, the Raptors have won three straight including on Nov. 29 when DeRozan had 27 points. He is averaging 50 percent shooting in his last 11 meetings against the Hawks.
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