The Toronto Raptors will take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in the second night of a back-to-back.
The Raptors will try to snap their seven-game losing streak, while the Knicks will look to win their fourth straight game before their Christmas Day matchup.
Toronto will once again be undermanned with Jakob Poeltl (groin), Immanuel Quickley (elbow) and Bruce Brown (knee) all ruled out. RJ Barrett who is still battling an illness is questionable to play against his former team. For the Knicks they will be without Mitchell Robinson (foot).
Scottie Barnes is looking to bounce back from a rough outing against the Rockets. He scored just 6 points on 0-for-8 shooting from three. If the Raptors want any chance to win this game they need Barnes to be more aggressive. He can’t settle for so many long jumpers and he needs to get downhill more which will open things up for his teammates. The status of Barrett before tipoff will be important. If he can suit up for Toronto he gives them another much needed scoring option. If Barrett doesn’t play, Toronto will need another big game from rookie Ja’Kobe Walter who scored a career-high 27 points on Sunday night.
The Knicks rank 2nd in offensive rating and they have been playing much better defense lately. Mikal Bridges and O.G. Anunoby will be tough on the perimeter and Karl-Anthony Towns along with Jalen Brunson are capable of taking over a game. New York is grooving right now, so Toronto needs to pull out all of the stops to get this upset win.
Toronto Raptors (7-22) vs. New York Knicks (18-10)
7:30 p.m. EST, Monday, December 23, 2024
Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Ja’Kobe Walter
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jonathan Mogbo
Key Reserves: Kelly Olynyk, Jamal Shead, Chris Boucher
Projected Knicks Starting Lineup:
PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Mikal Bridges
SF: Josh Hart
PF: OG Anunoby
C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Key Reserves: Jericho Sims, Precious Achiuwa, Miles McBride
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