Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks – As the NBA season progresses, the matchup between the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks is shaping up to be a tantalizing encounter. The Raptors, with a record of 16-25, are looking to climb up from their challenging position, while the 24-17 Knicks aim to solidify their standing. Key players like Pascal Siakam for the Raptors and Jalen Brunson for the Knicks are set to make significant impacts. For enthusiasts seeking basketball free picks, this game presents intriguing opportunities as both teams bring unique strengths and challenges to the court.
Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks
Date & Time: Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 7:30 PM ET
Location: Madison Square Garden
TV: MSG
Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Raptors | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Knicks | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Toronto Raptors Analysis
The Raptors enter this game with a middling offensive attack, averaging 115 points per game (13th in NBA). They are led by Pascal Siakam, who is having an All-Star caliber season, averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game on 48.5% shooting. Siakam has been excellent as the Raptors first option. Toronto is a decent but inconsistent three-point shooting team at 35.6% (16th in NBA). Overall, the Raptors are right around average on most offensive metrics like field goal percentage (48.1%, 15th in NBA) and assists (29.4 per game, 11th in NBA). If Siakam catch fire, this offense can compete with anyone. But they lack consistency game-to-game.
Defensively, the Raptors are middle-of-the-pack, allowing 114.4 points per game (20th in NBA). They allow opponents to shoot 46.9% from the field and 36.8% from three, right around league average. Toronto forces 14 turnovers per game with active hands in the passing lanes. However, they struggle protecting the rim, allowing 49.2 points in the paint per game – 5th most allowed in the NBA. Their rebounding is also just average. Overall, a decent defensive team but with weaknesses opponents can exploit inside.
New York Knicks Analysis
The Knicks come into this matchup with one of the better defenses in the NBA, allowing just 111 points per game (8th fewest allowed). They hold teams to 46% shooting thanks to rim protector Mitchell Robinson and the NBA’s 6th ranked defense in opponents’ field goal percentage. On offense, in addition to Jalen Brunson’s 25.8 points per game on 46/37/84 shooting splits, Julius Randle chips in 24.1 points per game on 62.6% true shooting. As a team, the Knicks shoot 46.5% from the field (13th in NBA) and 37.4% from three. They excel in getting to the free throw line (24.4 attempts per game, 5th most) behind drivers like Brunson, Randle and RJ Barrett. When the offense flows through Brunson’s pick and rolls and Randle isos, this unit can pile up points.
Defense is still the staple of this physical Knicks squad. In addition to Robinson protecting the paint, Tom Thibodeau has athletic wings like Barrett that force over 6 steals per game. The Knicks make life difficult for opponents every possession. Offensively, Randle’s matchups often dictate success. But the Knicks pack a scoring punch with Brunson leading the way.
Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks Against the Spread
The Raptors are just 10-10 against the spread on the road this season. However, they have covered in 3 of their last 5 overall. The Knicks have been solid for bettors, with a 13-11 home record ATS. They have only covered once in their previous 5 contests though.
With both teams towards the middle of the pack ATS, it will come down to execution on both ends. The Knicks defense could give the inconsistent Raptors trouble. But if Siakam plays like an All-Star, Toronto could hang around and cover. This game is largely a toss-up ATS.
Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks Free Pick
Based on trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: New York Knicks. The Knicks are simply the better team with home court advantage.
Spread: Toronto Raptors. Despite their overall record, the Raptors have performed reasonably against the spread, suggesting they can cover.
Total: Over. Both teams have a history of high-scoring games, and their offensive capabilities could lead to a high total.
Predicted Score: New York Knicks 118, Toronto Raptors 112
In conclusion, while the Moneyline pick leans towards the Knicks, the most reliable bet could be on the total. The offensive strengths of both teams, coupled with their defensive inconsistencies, make an ‘Over’ bet an appealing choice for Canadian best sports betting enthusiasts. The unpredictability of the Raptors’ performance against the spread also makes them a team to watch in this matchup.
