The Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks, two teams that failed to make the NBA playoffs a year ago, bring high aspirations into their season opener on Wednesday in Atlanta.

"I think our expectations for our team is to definitely make the playoffs and win some games in the playoffs," Toronto forward Scottie Barnes said. "That's the standard. That's the bottom line, with how talented we are and what we should be able to achieve for this team."

The Raptors have not made the playoffs for the last three years. The Hawks qualified for the last four NBA play-in tournaments, but they failed to advance to the first round in 2024 and 2025.

Barnes was the only player in the league last year to finish with more than 500 rebounds, 300 assists, 90 steals and 60 blocks. He averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebo

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