The Toronto Raptors host the Atlanta Hawks in NBA action tonight.
Toronto is coming off an upset loss at home, but my Hawks vs. Raptors predictions are betting on a bounce-back performance from Canada's team.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this Eastern Conference showdown on Saturday, January 3.
Hawks vs Raptors prediction
Hawks vs Raptors best bet: Raptors -3.5 (-110)
The Atlanta Hawks are coming off back-to-back upset wins against the Timberwolves and Knicks. That said, they are on a back-to-back after playing in New York last night, while the Toronto Raptors will be well-rested after two days off.
Hawks star Trae Young has been ruled out with a quad contusion that has kept him sidelined for the last three games. The Hawks got center Kristaps Porzingis back yesterday after a 10-game absence, but he was on a minutes restriction and looked rusty, shooting just 1-for-8 from the field.
Ultimately, I trust the Raptors more in this spot. They are coming off a disappointing loss at home are still 19-11 in their last 30 games.
They are significantly better defensively than Atlanta, and their offense got a boost with the recent return of RJ Barrett. Back them to cover against a Hawks squad that will be tired and is still searching for an identity.
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Hawks vs Raptors same-game parlay
Collin Murray-Boyles has seen his playing time surge with center Jakob Poeltl sidelined. The rookie forward has grabbed 9+ boards in three straight games and is averaging 11.0 rpg over that span. He should be active on the glass against an Atlanta squad that ranks 27th in rebound rate.
Hawks forward Jalen Johnson is averaging 23.8 points and 8.4 assists per game. That said, he'll have a tough time matching his usual production against Toronto, which is third in the NBA in defensive rating and 26th in pace since the start of November.
Hawks vs Raptors SGP
- Raptors -3.5
- Collin Murray-Boyles Over 5.5 rebounds
- Jalen Johnson Under 8.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: What it boils down to
Ochai Agbaji will see his playing time and usage plummet with Barrett back in the lineup.
Agbaji scored just two minutes in 11 minutes against Denver on Wednesday, and he'll be buried on the bench due to Toronto's depth.
Hawks vs Raptors SGP
- Raptors -3.5
- Collin Murray-Boyles Over 5.5 rebounds
- Jalen Johnson Under 8.5 assists
- Ochai Agbaji Under 5.5 points
Hawks vs Raptors odds
- Spread: Hawks +3.5 | Raptors -3.5
- Moneyline: Hawks +140 | Raptors -165
- Over/Under: Over 236.5 | Under 236.5
Hawks vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Raptors are 5-2 SU and 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings between these Eastern Conference foes. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Raptors.
How to watch Hawks vs Raptors
| Location | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date | Saturday, January 3, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN Southeast-Atlanta, TSN |
Hawks vs Raptors latest injuries
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