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Preview: Hawks host Raptors in post-deadline battle

Back on the floor in Atlanta.

Toronto Raptors v Atlanta Hawks Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Update: The Raptors will be short-handed for Thursday’s game, with three players heading to Memphis as part of a deal for Marc Gasol.


The Atlanta Hawks have been traveling for a long time. After a loss to the Orlando Magic on MLK Day, Lloyd Pierce’s team vacated State Farm Arena to make way for the Super Bowl and, from there, the Hawks completed a seven-game road trip in successful fashion. On the heels of back-to-back wins at the end of that journey, Atlanta returns to the comforts of home on Thursday evening and the Toronto Raptors arrive for an intriguing battle.

Thursday’s trade deadline is the looming factor over everything in the NBA world and, of course, the Hawks could be involved. As a result, Atlanta’s available roster could look very different by the time tip-off arrives, making it difficult to peg exactly what to expect. Still, this is the third (and final) match-up between the two teams this season, with the playoff-bound Raptors holding a 2-0 edge that includes a 16-point win in Atlanta back in November.

From an injury standpoint, the Hawks will be at full health with the exception of Miles Plumlee and Atlanta has both two-way players (Jaylen Adams and Alex Poythress) also available for this contest. On the Toronto side, Jonas Valanciunas is questionable with a left thumb dislocation but, otherwise, both squads should be at full strength.

Stay tuned throughout the day for all the latest.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Thursday, Feb. 7, 7:30 pm ET

Location: State Farm Arena

TV: Fox Sports Southeast

Radio: 92.9 The Game (Atlanta); Hawks Radio Network

Streaming: Fox Sports Go; NBA League Pass (out of market)