The Raptors have only lost six home games this season, but one of those was to the resurgent Knickerbockers, who invade the AAC again on Thursday. Toronto looks to close out a seven-game homestand with another notch on its belt while getting some revenge from that early season loss.
You can bet on NBA odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
LOOK AHEAD
A fun weekend of basketball awaits at the Garden with the Phoenix Suns visiting Friday followed by the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. But first the Knickerbockers travel north of the border to battle their red-hot Atlantic Division rival Raptors. The Knicks head into that game losers of four straight on the road and haven’t been above .500 since Nov. 21 when they were 8-6. Since then they’ve reached the break-even point five times but have yet to climb above.
The Raptors have taken advantage of a seven-game homestand, winning the first four to increase their lead in the Atlantic Division and close the gap on the Cavaliers for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Toronto owns an eight-game winning streak entering Tuesday’s contest with Washington, one short of tying the club record. The Raptors also have proven to be a good bet, posting a 7-1 ATS record over that span. Toronto finally gets a chance to avenge a home loss to the Knicks, one of six it has endured all season. The Knickerbockers stunned the Raptors 111-109 behind 25 points from Carmelo Anthony back on Nov. 10.
INJURIES
Anthony sat out the fourth quarter of Saturday’s loss to Charlotte with soreness in his left knee. It’s the same knee he had surgery on last February, but Anthony says there is no structural damage and the pain is likely caused by fatigue. He’s listed as day-to-day.
Following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll is expected out of the lineup until the end of February. He averaged 11.7 points and 4.8 rebounds in 23 games before going under the knife.
KEY MATCHUP
On the road to what would be an unexpected return to the playoffs, the Knicks can’t get reckless in trying to get there. A postseason berth is still at best a tossup. And that’s not what this modestly resurgent season should be about. The sight of Kristaps Porzingis hobbling on a bruised right foot late in the fourth quarter of an overtime win against Philadelphia was a reminder of what the primary objective must be in the 20-year-old’s rookie season. Keep him and his still-developing 7-foot-3 frame upright on the floor. In blowing by all reasonable expectations over the Knicks’ half season, Porzingis has for the most part had his minutes intelligently managed by coach Derek Fisher. Porzingis averages slightly over 28 minutes per game, a threshold Fisher calls right on the cusp for his big man before jumping off into fatigue. He’s already played more minutes than he did last basketball season in Spain with half a season still to go. The time on the court will be closely watched and unless production declines, playing close to 30 minutes a game will be where Porzingis stands.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
The Knicks pulled off the upset at the ACC back in November, winning outright as a 7.5-point underdog, and have been a pleasant surprise this season as they continue to hover around the .500 mark while staying in contention for a playoff spot. While Toronto’s starting five will likely be the same, the contributions from the bench have played a large role in the success the Raptors have enjoyed recently. They had four reserves score in double figures in a win over the Clippers on Sunday and the bench produced a season-high 51 points and engineered two second half runs that eventually decided the outcome. Those numbers won’t come on a nightly basis and the team is driven by the backcourt duo of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, possibly the best in the East. A little added incentive gets the Raptors another home win.
Toronto 109, New York 100
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The matchup between the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors will tipoff Thursday, January 28, 2016, at 8 p.m. ET at the Air Canada Centre. The contest will be broadcast nationally on TNT.
