Toronto Raptors (8-28) vs. NY Knicks (24-13)
January 8, 2025 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: NY Knicks -11.5; Over/Under: 231.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Toronto Raptors and NY Knicks meet Wednesday in NBA action at Madison Square Garden. Here’s a Knicks vs Raptors Prediction. This article will include a Knicks vs Raptors Pick.
Toronto Raptors Betting Preview
The Toronto Raptors lost to the Magic and Bucks, and they play the Cavs, Pistons, and Warriors next. The Toronto Raptors are averaging 111.3 points on 46.2 percent shooting and allowing 119 points on 47.4 percent shooting. RJ Barrett is averaging 23.5 points and 6.9 rebounds, while Scottie Barnes is averaging 20.4 points and 8 rebounds. Gradey Dick is the third double-digit scorer, and Jakob Poeltl is dishing 2.6 assists. The Toronto Raptors are shooting 34.2 percent from beyond the arc and 75 percent from the free-throw line. The Toronto Raptors are allowing 36.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.3 rebounds per game.
NY Knicks Betting Preview
The NY Knicks lost to the Magic and Bulls, and they play the Thunder, Bucks, and Pistons next. The NY Knicks are averaging 117.2 points on 49.7 percent shooting and allowing 110.5 points on 46.5 percent shooting. Jalen Brunson is averaging 25.3 points and 2.9 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 25.3 points and 3.4 assists. Mikal Bridges is the third double-digit scorer and OG Anunoby is grabbing 4.9 rebounds. The NY Knicks are shooting 37.9 percent from beyond the arc and 80 percent from the free throw line. The NY Knicks are allowing 37 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.2 rebounds per game.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The Raptors have lost each of their last 18 games against Atlantic Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Knicks have won each of their last 12 games against Atlantic Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the Raptors’ last seven games.
- The Raptors have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games as underdogs.
Why the Toronto Raptors will win
- The Knicks have lost three of their last four games as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Raptors have won four of their last five games on the first leg of a back-to-back against the Knicks.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five home games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Raptors have covered the spread in nine of their last 12 games as underdogs following a home loss.
New York Knicks Player Facts
- Josh Hart ranks 1st amongst qualified Guards for rebounds per game (9.1) this season.
- Jalen Brunson ranks 4th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for points per game (25.3) this season.
Toronto Raptors Player Facts
- RJ Barrett ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for fast break points per game (5.1) this season.
- Jakob Poeltl ranks 4th amongst qualified players for second chance points per game (4.0) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Knicks rank 1st in the league for Q2 win percentage this season (67.6%).
- The Knicks rank 2nd in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (40.9).
- The Raptors rank 30th in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (11.4).
- The Raptors rank 30th in the league for opponent free throws made per game this season (20.7).
Knicks vs Raptors Prediction
The NY Knicks should be big favorites against a bad Raptors team, and they’ve done well with big chalk lately. In fact, the Knicks have covered six of their last nine games as a double-digit favorite. With all that said, the Knicks have lost three straight games, and that includes an outright loss to the Magic as a double-digit favorite. Also, the Raptors don’t win games and have had covering issues lately, but they’re still a profitable 20-15-1 ATS on the season. Additionally, a potential look-ahead spots for the Knicks, with the Thunder and Bucks coming up next. I’ll take a stab with the Raptors and the free buckets.
