Raptors vs. Hawks Picks and Prediction, Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Use Code WWWC On Wednesday night, the Atlanta Hawks will host the Toronto Raptors at State Farm Arena in each team's season opener, and we have you ready to go with our Raptors vs. Hawks prediction. Atlanta is a 5.5-point spread favorite, and the game total is 235.5 points scored. Tip-off from the ATL is at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Toronto won two of three games against Atlanta last season, including both games at State Farm Arena. The series is tied 5-5 over the last ten meetings, but the Raptors covered in seven of the games. The over was 5-4-1. If you want the Raptors vs. Hawks prediction, read on to get our top NBA predictions and increase your bankroll!
Can Raptors turn a corner with improved offense?
Toronto went 30-52 last season, finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference, missing the NBA playoffs. Injuries derailed the Raptors' season from the jump, as Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley were sidelined for portions of November and December. While they were just 7-26 heading into the New Year, the Dinos were much more competitive in 2025, compiling a 22-21 record over the final 43 games. Improved defensive play was the catalyst, as Toronto went from 26th in defensive rating to 2nd after the All-Star break.
To build off their second-half improvement, the Raptors must stay healthy this season. They didn't lose or add much in free agency, drafting South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles ninth overall. The 20-year-old averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds as a sophomore last season, showing off two-way athleticism. Re-signing center Jakob Poeltl (14.5 PPG and 9.6 RPG in 2024-25) was also key. Toronto built depth last season, as ten players averaged 17-plus minutes per game in 50-plus outings, and the team will benefit from the return of star forward Brandon Ingram (22.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 5.2 APG), who was acquired in February but didn't suit up for the Raptors. The 28-year-old veteran will boost a formidable lineup already featuring Barnes (19.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 5.8 APG), Quickley (17.1 PPG and 5.8 APG), and RJ Barrett (21.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 5.4 APG).
Get Free $30 Credit for Premium Picks + Exclusive Discounts
Subscribe Now
Toronto finished 23rd in scoring last season, making Ingram's presence significant. The Raptors were especially ineffective from three-point range, ranking 29th in made threes and 23rd in three-point percentage. The Duke product has grown more comfortable from beyond the arc in recent seasons, averaging 6.4 attempts per game last season after averaging 3.8 per game in 2023-24. He tied a career-best by shooting 37.4 percent from long range. With a reliable outside shooting threat leading to improved spacing, the on-ball scorer Barnes and his teammates could flourish.
Toronto Raptors Basketball Injury Report: No injuries to report for Wednesday's NBA season opener against the Hawks.
Atlanta is talented, but can it stay healthy?
Atlanta finished with a 40-42 record last season, finishing 8th in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks were bounced from the playoffs in the Play-In Tournament, with consecutive losses to the seven-seed Magic and ten-seed Heat. It was their fourth-straight appearance in the tourney.
Unlike Toronto, Atlanta was busy this offseason revamping its roster. Kobe Bufkin (trade), Clint Capela (trade), and Caris LeVert (free agent) were among the seven departures, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker (sign-and-trade), Luke Kennard (free agent), and Kristaps Porziņģis (trade) the most notable additions. The group of newcomers joins a young, budding Hawks lineup featuring Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels and last season's Rookie of the Year runner-up Zaccharie Risacher. With All-Star Trae Young (24.2 PPG and 11.6 APG) and forward Jalen Johnson (18.9 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 5.0 APG) leading the way, there's clearly plenty of talent on this year's roster, but what will it take for the Hawks to escape the Play-In Tournament?
The addition of former Timberwolves guard Alexander-Walker will boost the team's perimeter defense, leading to more transition buckets off turnovers. He and Daniels will form a terrific backcourt tandem, as Daniels is an elite on-ball defender and Alexander-Walker is a pest on screens. The frontcourt should also be formidable with Porziņģis and Onyeka Okongwu (13.4 PPG and 8.9 RPG) patrolling the paint. That said, health will be a major factor in the Hawks' success, as Johnson missed most of last season after suffering a torn shoulder in January, and Porziņģis played a career-low 42 games.
Atlanta Hawks Basketball Injury Report: No injuries to report for Wednesday's game against the Raptors.
Raptors vs. Hawks Pick
Spread Pick for Raptors vs. Hawks
- Atlanta -5.5 (4 Units)
I question whether the Hawks can stay healthy enough to make a deep playoff run this season, but that's beside the point. Atlanta is healthy and ready to let it fly on its opening night, equipped with a well-constructed roster that's ready to take flight. Alexander-Walker and Daniels will cause issues for the Raptors' guards, forcing turnovers that lead to easy transition points. Toronto has the potential to be an improved team with better offensive play, but that isn't likely to be evident from the jump in game one. The Raptors will have another poor shooting night from three-point range, and those long misses will be costly with Young leading the break.
Atlanta will coast to a win at home, covering the 5.5-point spread with ease!
Over/Under Pick for Raptors vs. Hawks
- Under 235.5 (4 Units)
I lean towards the under in Wednesday's game. While these teams ranked in the top ten in possessions per game last season, this total is too high. Toronto was a stout defensive team after the All-Star break, and with the same roster returning, that isn't likely to change. They were also one of the least effective offensive teams, especially from beyond the arc. Atlanta appears to be an improved defensive team, as well. Daniels finished second in the DPOY race, and Alexander-Walker fits seamlessly into the Hawks' backcourt, especially with screen navigation. The latter ranked in the 99th percentile in ball screen navigation stat and 98th percentile in offensive fouls drawn last season, per Basketball Index. Porziņģis also brings additional rim protection to Atlanta.
Never Tried Winners and Whiners? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code DOLLAR
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
- Check out more NBA predictions
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
