New York Knicks (24-13) vs Toronto Raptors (8-28)
Game Info: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm (Madison Square Garden)
Betting Odds: New York Knicks -11.5 -- Over/Under: 231 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: MSG
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors have been in a real slump as they've lost 13 of their last 14 games overall and they will be hoping to avoid a third straight defeat after getting trampled by the Bucks in a 128-104 loss on Monday. RJ Barrett led the team with 25 points, nine rebounds, and five assists on 11 of 18 shooting, Scottie Barnes added 21 points with five assists while Jakob Poeltl chipped in with 12 points on six of nine shooting. As a team, the Raptors shot 45 percent from the field and nine of 35 from the 3-point line as they struggled right from the tipoff and were always fighting an uphill battle after getting outscored by 66-47 in the first half. Gradey Dick had a rough game as he shot just three of 12 from the field while no bench player scored more than eight points.
New York Knicks
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks look to have cooled off from their nine-game win streak as they are now hoping to snap a three-game losing streak after getting beaten by the depleted Magic in a 103-94 loss on Monday. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson led the team with 24 points each, Josh Hart tallied 15 points with 14 rebounds while Precious Achiuwa chipped in with 10 points off the bench, but no other player finished in double figures in scoring. As a team, the Knicks shot just 44 percent from the field and a miserly four of 22 from the 3-point line as they hung tough with the Magic in a tightly contested first half. The Knicks went cold and scored just 17 points in the third quarter to allow the Magic to take over. OG Anunoby had a quiet game of just nine points on four of 11 shooting while Cameron Payne shot just two of seven for eight points. The Knicks will play against the Thunder following this one.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The Raptors have lost each of their last 17 night games against Atlantic Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Knicks have won each of their last 11 night games against Atlantic Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Raptors have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Knicks have covered the spread in six of their last seven games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
Why the Toronto Raptors will win
- The Knicks have lost each of their last two games as favorites following a loss.
- The Raptors have won each of their last three road 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 games as home favorites against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Raptors have covered the spread in nine of their last 12 night games following a home loss.
Total Points Facts
- Five of the Knicks' last six home night games following a home loss have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Four of the Raptors' last five games at Madison Square Garden have gone OVER the total points line.
Toronto Raptors vs New York Knicks Prediction
The Raptors are coming into this one with a full squad, while the Knicks are still keeping an eye on Miles McBride and Karl-Anthony Towns, who are both questionable. The Raptors were always going to be massive underdogs in this matchup as they've been one of the coldest teams in the league despite being relatively healthy. The Knicks were on a great run before dropping their last three games. I like the Knicks to bounce back and get the much-needed win at home, but if they're shorthanded, I like the Raptors to hang around and keep it within the score in the end.
Peter’s Pick Toronto +11.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
