Raptors and Hawks Launch Season with High Playoff Aspirations

The Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks kick off their NBA seasons on October 25, 2023, in Atlanta, both teams eager to make a significant impact after missing the playoffs last year. The Raptors, who have not qualified for the postseason in three years, are determined to change their fortunes. Toronto forward Scottie Barnes emphasized the team’s ambition, 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.”

The Raptors have made notable changes to their roster to enhance their performance. Alongside Barnes, who averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists last season, the team welcomes back leading scorer RJ Barrett. Barrett achieved career highs with an average of 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. The acquisition of Brandon Ingram, who averaged 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists during his six seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, aims to strengthen an offense that ranked 23rd in the league last year.

Raptors’ Key Players and New Faces

The Raptors will also benefit from the return of Immanuel Quickley, who averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 assists last season but missed 49 games due to a partial UCL tear in his left elbow. Jakob Poeltl, who set career bests with 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds, expressed optimism about team cohesion. “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,” he noted.

The Hawks, on the other hand, look to bounce back from recent disappointments. They have participated in the last four NBA play-in tournaments but failed to advance to the first round in 2024 and 2025. The team’s success will largely depend on the performance of Trae Young, who led the league with 880 total assists and averaged 11.6 assists per game last season. Young joined an elite group of players, including Oscar Robertson and James Harden, by averaging at least 24 points and 11 assists.

Atlanta’s Promising Additions and Health Returns

Another key player for the Hawks is Dyson Daniels, who was recognized as the NBA’s Most Improved Player and was the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. Daniels averaged 14.1 points and led the league with 3.0 steals, securing a four-year contract extension worth $100 million just before the season began. Additionally, Jalen Johnson returns to the lineup fully healthy after recovering from a torn left labrum that limited him to 36 games last season. Johnson averaged 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists last year, and he expressed his excitement to be back on the court, stating, “I’m excited to be full-go and fully healthy going into the season.”

The Hawks also made a significant addition with Kristaps Porzingis, acquired from Boston in a three-team trade. Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 42 games last season, and his presence is expected to bolster Atlanta’s frontcourt.

As both teams prepare for their season opener, the stakes are high. The Raptors and Hawks aim to convert their aspirations into playoff success, setting the stage for an exciting matchup in Atlanta. The outcome will not only impact their immediate standings but could also define their trajectories for the rest of the season.