The Toronto Raptors face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The Raptors enter the game with a 8-28 record, sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference, while the Knicks hold a strong 24-13 record and are 3rd in the East. Both teams aim to bounce back after recent losses.
The Knicks are looking to end a three-game skid, having struggled without Karl-Anthony Towns, who is questionable for this matchup. Meanwhile, the Raptors continue to battle consistency issues, with just one win in their last 14 games, including a 128-104 defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.
Raptors Preview – Can Toronto Find a Spark?
The Raptors have had a rough season, marked by a 1-15 road record. Despite showing flashes of potential in a 130-113 win over Brooklyn on January 1, they have since faltered, losing by large margins in multiple games. Their defense has been a major concern, allowing seven opponents to win by 20 or more points this season.
Toronto’s offense is led by Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, who combined for 46 points in their last game. Immanuel Quickley has also provided steady production since returning from injury. However, the team’s inability to play with consistent energy has hurt them, as noted by Barrett following their recent loss to Milwaukee.
The Raptors will need a complete team effort to compete with the Knicks, especially in a hostile environment like Madison Square Garden. Their focus will need to be on limiting turnovers and improving defensive intensity.
Knicks Preview – Depth Put to the Test
The Knicks have been one of the top teams in the East, but their three-game losing streak has exposed depth issues, particularly when Karl-Anthony Towns is sidelined. Towns, who averages a double-double, missed Monday’s 103-94 loss to the Magic and remains questionable for Wednesday’s game.
Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges have carried the scoring load, each contributing 24 points in the loss to Orlando. However, the Knicks’ bench has struggled to provide meaningful contributions, with few reserves consistently reaching double figures.
Defensively, New York ranks 8th in the NBA in points allowed per game, a strength they will lean on to stifle Toronto’s inconsistent offense. Returning to their home court should provide a boost, as the Knicks are 13-8 at Madison Square Garden this season.
Betting Prediction
The Knicks are favored by 11.5 points, with a total set at 231.5. New York’s defense and strong home record give them the upper hand in this matchup, particularly if Towns returns to the lineup. Toronto’s road struggles and lack of defensive intensity make it hard to trust them to keep the game close.
Expect New York to control the game and cover the spread, with the total leaning toward the under due to the Knicks’ defensive capabilities and Toronto’s scoring inconsistencies.
Pick: New York -11.5, Under 231.5
