Raptors and Hawks Aim for Playoff Glory in Season Opener

The Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks are setting their sights high as they prepare for their season opener on October 25, 2023, in Atlanta. Both teams are eager to bounce back after missing the NBA playoffs last season, with players and coaches expressing strong ambitions for a successful campaign.

Raptors forward Scottie Barnes emphasized the team’s playoff aspirations, stating, “I think our expectations for our team is to definitely make the playoffs and win some games in the playoffs. That’s the standard. That’s the bottom line, with how talented we are and what we should be able to achieve for this team.” Toronto has not qualified for the postseason in the past three years, a streak they are determined to end.

The Raptors boast key returning players, including leading scorer RJ Barrett, who averaged career highs of 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists last season. Additionally, Jakob Poeltl set personal bests with 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds. To enhance their offense, which ranked 23rd in scoring last year, Toronto acquired Brandon Ingram, who averaged 23.0 points during his six seasons with the Pelicans. The Raptors also welcome back Immanuel Quickley, who averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 assists despite missing significant time last season due to a partial UCL tear in his left elbow.

Poeltl noted the team’s chemistry, saying, “What’s impressed me is how much everybody has bought into trying to figure out where everybody else likes to play or wants the ball, or what they’re comfortable in.” This collaborative spirit is a positive sign for the Raptors as they look to build momentum.

For the Hawks, point guard Trae Young remains a central figure. Last season, he led the league in total assists with 880 and averaged 11.6 assists per game. Young’s performance placed him alongside legends such as Oscar Robertson and James Harden as one of only four players to average at least 24 points and 11 assists in a season.

Another key player for Atlanta is Dyson Daniels, who was recognized as the NBA’s Most Improved Player and finished as the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. Last season, he averaged 14.1 points and led the league with 3.0 steals. His recent four-year contract extension, valued at $100 million, underscores his importance to the team.

The Hawks also anticipate a healthy season for Jalen Johnson, who struggled with injuries last year. Johnson averaged 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists before undergoing surgery for a torn left labrum. “It’s been a long time since January, so I’m excited to get out on the court,” Johnson remarked. “I’m excited to be full-go and fully healthy going into the season.”

Significantly, Atlanta made waves in the offseason by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from Boston as part of a three-team trade. Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 42 games last season, and his addition is expected to bolster the Hawks’ playoff ambitions.

As the season commences, both the Raptors and Hawks are motivated to overcome past disappointments and aim for a spot in this year’s playoffs. With a blend of returning talent and new acquisitions, fans can look forward to an electrifying season ahead.