The New York Knicks and the Toronto Raptors will face each other at the Scotiabank Arena in Ontario on Tuesday. It will be their second meeting of the season, with the Knicks earning a 116-94 victory in their first encounter. This matchup, however, will carry extra significance, doubling up as the quarterfinals of the Emirates NBA Cup.
The Raptors cruised through East Group A with a perfect 4-0 record, while the Knicks topped East Group C after going 3-1.
The winner will take on either the Orlando Magic or the Miami Heat in the East semifinals.
New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction
Moneyline: Knicks -145, Raptors +154
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Spread: Knicks -4.5 (-105), Raptors +4.5 (-115)
Total over/under (o/u): Knicks o225.5 (-112), Raptors u225.5 (-108)
*Editor's Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*
New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors preview
The New York Knicks have been on a tear, going 8-2 over their last 10 games. They’re also riding a three-game winning streak, and will head into Tuesday’s crucial knockout matchup full of confidence.
The Knicks’ recent surge has come from strong play on both ends of the floor. They rank fifth in the league in both offensive and defensive efficiency, averaging 120.7 points per game while holding opponents to 112.4.
Jalen Brunson leads the team in scoring, averaging 28.0 points per game, while Karl Anthony-Towns has been a force on both ends, recording 22.5 points and 11.9 rebounds per game.
On the other hand, the Toronto Raptors come into the matchup on a three-game skid. After an impressive 12-3 run in November, they’ve managed just one win so far this month and will be looking to bounce back against the Knicks.
The Raptors will need a major lift at both ends to pull off a win on Tuesday. Their offense has been underwhelming, averaging 116.4 points per game (18th), while their defense has been steadier, ranking ninth at 113.8 points allowed.
Toronto will look to Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes to carry the load. The duo has been the Raptors’ standout pairing, with Ingram averaging 21.2 points per game and Barnes adding 20.0.
Both teams come into the matchup with notable injuries. The Knicks will be without Landry Shamet, Pacome Dadiet and Miles McBride, while Karl-Anthony Towns remains questionable.
For Toronto, RJ Barrett is ruled out, and Jamison Battle, along with Jamal Shead, are considered day-to-day.
New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors predicted starting fives
New York Knicks predicted starting five
PG- Jalen Brunson, SG- Mikal Bridges, SF- Josh Hart, PF- OG Anunoby, C- Mitchell Robinson
Toronto Raptors predicted starting five
PG- Immanuel Quickley, SG- Brandon Ingram, SF- Gradey Dick, PF- Scottie Barnes, C- Jakob Poeltl
New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors betting tips
Jalen Brunson is projected to score over 28.5 points following his 30-point outing against Orlando. He is averaging 28.0 points per game.
Brandon Ingram is expected to score over 22.5 points after putting up 30 points against Boston. He is averaging 21.2 points per game.
OG Anunoby is projected to collect over 3.5 rebounds. He is averaging 5.2 rebounds per game.
New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors prediction
The Knicks enter as 4.5-point favorites, but the Raptors shouldn’t be counted out. Toronto is still unbeaten in the Emirates Cup, and with Karl-Anthony Towns’ status uncertain, it has a real chance to pull off the upset.
Prediction: Raptors to win by 5 points or less
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