New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Dec. 9 | 2025 Emirates NBA Cup

NBA: Toronto Raptors at New York Knicks - Source: Imagn
New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Dec. 9 | 2025 Emirates NBA Cup. [photo: Imagn]

The New York Knicks will face the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday in the knockout round of the Emirates NBA Cup. New York can advance to the semifinals by maintaining its dominance over the home team. The Knicks, who mauled the Raptors 116-94 late last month, have not lost to the same opponent since Jan. 22, 2023.

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Meanwhile, the struggling Raptors head into the showdown with the Knicks having lost five of their last six games. They have not rediscovered the form that led them to a nine-game winning run before their recent skid. Still, Toronto has a perfect 4-0 record in the NBA Cup, giving it hope it can punch a ticket to the next round.


New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors Injury Report

New York Knicks Injury Report

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Karl-Anthony Towns, who sat out New York’s 106-100 win against the Orlando Magic on Sunday, has been upgraded to questionable. Landry Shamet (shoulder), Pacome Dadiet (ankle), and Miles McBride (ankle) are all out.

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Toronto Raptors Injury Report

Former Knicks star R.J. Barrett is on the inactive list due to a right knee sprain. Jamison Battle (ankle) is doubtful, while Jamal Shead (quad) is questionable.


New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Charts

New York Knicks predicted starting lineup and depth chart

Starters2nd3rd
Jalen BrunsonTyler Kolek
Mikal BridgesJordan ClarksonKevin McCullar Jr.
Josh HartMohamed Diawara
OG AnunobyGuerschon YabuseleTrey Jemison
Karl-Anthony TownsMitchell RobinsonAriel Hukporti
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Toronto Raptors predicted starting lineup and depth chart

Starters2nd3rd
Immanuel QuickleyJamal SheadChucky Hepburn
Ja'Kobe WalterGradey DickGarrett Temple
Brandon IngramOchai Agbaji
Scottie BarnesCollin Murray-BoylesJonathan Mogbo
Jakob PoeltlSandro Mamukelashvili
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New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors: Key Matchups

Immanuel Quickley vs Jalen Brunson

Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley often plays well against his former team. The speedy guard, however, is 0-4 since the New York Knicks traded him and R.J. Barrett to Toronto in 2023.

Mikal Bridges will likely shadow Quickley, but Jalen Brunson will have his opportunities to guard him. If Quickley runs the offense well and helps carry the scoring load, the Raptors will be in good form.

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On the other hand, Brunson is the Knicks’ heart and soul. Slowing him down will be Toronto’s top priority. Brunson isn’t as quick as his counterpart, but he is wily, strong and clutch.

OG Anunoby vs Scottie Barnes

Scottie Barnes is playing like an All-Star again. The versatile forward is averaging 20.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. He is to the Raptors what Brunson is to the Knicks.

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OG Anunoby, the former Raptor, will have the unenviable task of keeping Barnes in check. Anunoby also loves to play in Toronto, making his battle with Barnes arguably the matchup to keep an eye on.

Karl-Anthony Towns vs whoever the Raptors will play at center

In the last game between the two teams, the Toronto Raptors opted not to play with a big man in the middle. They relied on Barnes or Brandon Ingram to check Karl-Anthony Towns. KAT used his size advantage to lead the Knicks with 22 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

Toronto will face the same problem if Towns gets the green light to play. Jakob Poeltl likely starts for Toronto to keep the 7-footer from imposing his will.

New York Knicks Fan? Check out the latest Knicks depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Michael Macasero
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