The Toronto Raptors head to New York to take on the Knicks for the third time this season.
The Raptors will be going up against O.G. Anunoby for the first time since they traded him.
The Raptors acquired Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and a 2024 second-round pick (via Detroit) in a deal that sent Anunoby, Malachi Flynn and Precious Achiuwa to New York.
This game will mean a lot for the Raptors newcomers as well as they will make their return to New York. Quickley and Barrett spent their entire careers with the Knicks before being traded.
Since the trade both teams have seen improved play. The Knicks have been rolling in the new year and Anunoby has elevated their defense.
Meanwhile, Barrett and Quickley have shown a lot of good things since coming to Toronto. Although the losses continue to pile up for the Raptors, the development has been there.
It’s clear that Quickley, Barrett and Barnes are the new young core for the Raptors for the foreseeable future.
The post-Siakam Raptors are 1-1 following a blow out win over the Miami Heat and then a loss against the Chicago Bulls which came down to the wire.
It’ll be interesting to see how Bruce Brown follows up on his impressive debut. The 27-year-old seamlessly fit in with the Raptors, but he already finds himself in trade rumors. It’s believed that Toronto will move him before the deadline.
The Knicks have defeated the Raptors in the previous two matchups this season.
Jakob Poeltl remains out for Toronto and Otto Porter Jr. is doubtful.
For the Knicks, Mitchell Robinson is out and Josh Hart is questionable to play.
Toronto Raptors (16-26) vs. New York Knicks (25-17)
7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, January 20, 2024
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: TSN
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: Gary Trent Jr.
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jontay Porter
Key Reserves: Dennis Schroder, Bruce Brown, Chris Boucher
Projected Bulls Starting Lineup:
PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Donte DiVincenzo
SF: O.G. Anunoby
PF: Julius Randle
C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Key Reserves: Quentin Grimes, Precious Achiuwa, Miles McBride
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!