In tonight’s Eastern Conference rematch, the New York Knicks (12-13) are facing off versus the Toronto Raptors (11-14) at Scotiabank Arena. Will Pascal Siakim and the Raptors defeat the Knicks for a second time this season?
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New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors news
Leading into Friday night’s intraconference contest, the Knicks are 11-14 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, whereas the Raptors are 10-15 against the spread. This game will air live at 7:30 p.m. ET via MSG Network NBA League Pass and MSG+. According to Land of Basketball’s database, these teams have played one another 99 times during the regular season all-time. Toronto is 56-43 versus New York. Additionally, in the past three head-to-head meetings, the Knicks are 2-1 against them.
However, on Nov. 1, 2021, the first meeting of this regular season, Toronto won 113-104. Besides injuries, pertaining to the top story for tonight’s game, Raptors president and vice-chairman Masai Ujiri tested positive for COVID-19 late on Thursday. While none of the team’s players have yet tested positive for the virus, things could change in a matter of days, if not hours. Continue to keep an eye on the ESPN injury report for important updates. Ujiri is quarantining in his home right now. In his statement, he said, “We don’t want to live in fear of this virus, but COVID is a persistent enemy.”
Masai Ujiri has positive COVID-19 test, is dealing with the consequences/repercussions
Hope he’s as healthy as he can be— Doug Smith: Raptors (@SmithRaps) December 10, 2021
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors betting lines and odds
Sportsbook: BetUS
Over/Under: 207.5
Point spread: Raptors -1.5 (-110)
Best moneyline: Knicks +145, Raptors -160
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors injury report
Knicks: C Nerlens Noel (probable)
Raptors: PG Goran Dragic (out indefinitely) | SF OG Anunoby (out) | C Khem Birch (out indefinitely) | C Precious Achiuwa (questionable) | SF Justin Champagnie (questionable)
Add last night’s almost-hero Justin Champagnie to the Raptors’ growing injury report. He’s questionable for tomorrow’s game vs New York with right knee tendinitis. Achiuwa also questionable. Anunoby, Birch and Dragic still out. Nobody listed in protocols as of now is a good sign
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) December 9, 2021
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors preview
On Wednesday, in the Knicks’ 122-102 road loss versus the Pacers, forward RJ Barrett led his team in scoring, putting up 19 points in 35 minutes spent on the court. Forward Julius Randle had 18 points, 8. rebounds and 2.0 assists in 31 minutes of action, too. Not only were the Knicks outscored 60-44 in the free throw lane, they were out-rebounded 42 to 36.
Not to mention, New York shot 36-for-86 (41.9%) from the floor and 9-for-30 (30%) from behind the arc. In the second quarter, the Pacers outscored the Knicks 34 to 28. This was yet another disappointing performance on the road by the Knicks, especially on defense. Now, the team is 7-5 away, 5-8 at home and 7-5 ATS on the road this season. They have won four out of their past 10 games.
As for the Raptors, in their 110-109 home loss against the Thunder on Wednesday, guard Gary Trent Jr. scored a team-high 24 points in 39 minutes on the court. Forward Pascal Siakim earned another double-double as well, finishing his night with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 38 minutes played. Despite outscoring Oklahoma City 44 to 38 in the key, Toronto failed to protect the perimeter.
The Raptors allowed the Thunder to sink 17 three-pointers, and they were held to just 12 points in the third quarter. Toronto shot 42-for-93 (45.2%) from the field and 15-for-41 (36.6%) from three-point range. Of course, a loss by one basket hurts the most. The team has now won four out of their last 10 games this season. They are 4-9 at home, 7-5 away and 3-10 ATS at home.
Projected starting lineup
Knicks: PG Alec Burks | SG Evan Fournier | SF RJ Barrett | PF Julius Randle | C Mitchell Robinson
Raptors: PG Fred VanVleet | SG Gary Trent Jr. | SF Pascal Siakim | PF Scottie Barnes | C Chris Boucher
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors prediction
Moreover, the total for tonight’s intraconference clash is set at 207.5. Referencing the spread consensus, 52% of bettors are pondering the probability of the Raptors covering the spread at Scotiabank Arena. Based on the point total consensus, 86% of gamblers are anticipating the total to go over 207.5. Thus far, New York is 9-7 as a favorite, 3-6 as an underdog and 7-5 ATS away, whereas Toronto is 4-5 as a favorite, 7-9 as an underdog and 3-10 ATS at home.
For advantageous betting trends, the Knicks are 7-13 ATS in their last 20 performances. The total has gone over in their past five games, and they are 6-12 ATS in their previous 18 matches versus Toronto. Next, the team is 3-17 straight up in their last 20 head-to-head contests against the Raptors. To add to these betting statistics, the team is 0-8 ATS in their past eight matches at Scotiabank Arena. Lastly, the Knicks are 4-1 ATS in their previous five games versus Atlantic Division opponents.
On the other side, the Raptors are 5-11 ATS in their past 16 performances. The total has gone under in four of Toronto’s last five games as well. Also, the team is 3-13 ATS in their previous 16 contests played at home. Next, the team is 3-6 SU in their past nine matches against Eastern Conference opponents, and the total has gone under in eight of their previous 10 games played in December. Therefore, contemplate picking the Raptors to win and cover the spread. If you need assistance on handicap betting, check out our guide here at Basketball Insiders.
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors betting pick
Pick the Raptors to win, they will cover the spread and the total will go over 207.5. Toronto is a 1.5-point favorite at home with BetUS.
All betting lines were retrieved from BetUS. Click below to claim a free bet, if you’re a new customer.
