Scotiabank Arena Set to Host Clash Between Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks

As the Toronto Raptors prepare to welcome the Atlanta Hawks to Scotiabank Arena, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying matchup. The Raptors, despite a rocky start to their season, have shown flashes of brilliance that suggest they're on the cusp of turning things around.

In their recent game on December 12 against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the Raptors scored an impressive 130 points. Although they lost by six points in a high-scoring affair, there were positive takeaways. The team's field goal percentage stood at 49 percent and they shot 35 percent from beyond the arc. Their ability to draw fouls was evident as they made it to the free-throw line 30 times, converting 73 percent of those shots.

The bench contributed a solid 30 points in that game but what stands out is their efficiency rating of 143 and an assist-to-turnover ratio of over three. This indicates that when the Raptors click offensively, they can compete with any team in terms of scoring and ball movement.

However, defense seems to be where improvements are needed most urgently. They allowed a defensive rating well above league average which suggests there's work to be done on that end of the floor if they want consistent success.

Looking at another recent performance against Charlotte Hornets on December 9 shows similar trends: strong offense coupled with defensive lapses. The Raps put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell short by three points despite outscoring Charlotte in paint significantly (74-50) and winning second-chance points (19-17). Again we see an efficient offense with over half their field goals made but also signs that tightening up defensively could turn these close losses into wins.

The upcoming game against Atlanta presents both challenge and opportunity for Toronto. The Hawks come into this game with dynamic scorers who can take over games if not contained properly. It will be crucial for Toronto's defense to step up and limit easy scoring opportunities while continuing their offensive prowess shown in past games.

For fans looking forward eagerly towards this encounter between two exciting teams – mark your calendars for December 14th at Scotiabank Arena where tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST. You can catch all action live on SportsNet or BSSE channel number 649 if you're cheering from afar!