The Toronto Raptors have hit an air pocket and are not in control of their destiny. Little nicks and aches have lingered, and the team is struggling. Three losses in their last four games aren’t a prelude to disaster, but it isn’t business as usual either.
The New Orleans Pelicans were just what the doctor ordered to stop a mini-slump. Unfortunately, the Atlanta Hawks are anything but. They have won nine of their last ten games and silenced their many critics who thought last year’s 60-22 record was a fluke.
The Hawks are sitting comfortably in the #3 seed with a record of 45-30, and would dearly love to get their talons on the Raptors’ #2 slot.