Atlanta Hawks Team Report - April 8

(Basketball News) - The Hawks will continue their trip towards the draft lottery this evening, when they take on the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre.

Atlanta has dropped 13 consecutive games and 29 of its last 31 since the beginning of February. The Hawks’ struggles were extended on Tuesday, as they fell 96-86 to the New Orleans Hornets at Philips Arena.

Tom Gugliotta and Tony Delk finished with 18 points apiece for Atlanta, while Josh Smith recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Tyronn Lue tied a career-high with 11 assists in the losing effort.

Atlanta’s Al Harrington missed the game with tendinitis in his right knee. Harrington was placed on the injured list on Thursday, leaving the Hawks without their top scorer for at least their next five games.

The Hawks own the worst road record (3-34) in the league, including four straight losses. Atlanta has won just once on the road since December 10 against Detroit.

Toronto has won two of three and seven of the last nine meetings overall in this set. Atlanta has lost eight of its last 10 at Toronto.

Mercifully, the Hawks only have eight games remaining in the season. Atlanta will close out its week against Minnesota on Saturday before beginning a home- and-home against Charlotte on Monday at Philips Arena.