The Toronto Raptors (11-1) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they square off with the New York Knicks (4-8) at Scotiabank Arena. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 10, 2018, and will air on MSG Network.
Toronto is a 14-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 218.5 points.
New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors Free Prediction
The last time the Knicks played, they covered the 1.5-point spread against the Atlanta Hawks, 112-107. The total points for the game (219) came in under the O/U total of 225.5. Getting to the free throw line was one of New York’s largest strengths. They had 47 free throw attempts, while Atlanta had just 29. New York was lifted by Tim Hardaway Jr., who was the top scorer from either team with 34 points on 8-for-22 shooting.
The Raptors beat the Sacramento Kings in their last game, 114-105, covering as 8.5-point favorites. The total points for the game (219) finished under the projected point total of 232.5. Toronto out-rebounded Sacramento. The Raptors had 13 offensive rebounds and 53 total rebounds, while the Kings had six and 31, respectively. Kawhi Leonard was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 7-for-17 shooting from the field.
Toronto should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Raptors currently rank second in offensive efficiency, while the Knicks rank 16th in defensive efficiency. Also, the Knicks could control the offensive glass in this battle as they rank fifth in the league in offensive rebounding percentage at 26.3 percent. The Raptors, meanwhile, rank 23rd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.7 percent).
Although New York has a hard time winning games straight up (4-8 SU), they have a solid record against the spread (7-4-1). Oddsmakers tend to set the total high when the Knicks are involved, as seven of their 12 games have gone under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Toronto owns records of 11-1 SU and 7-5 ATS. Contrary to New York, Raptors games have typically gone over the total (66.7 percent).
Serge Ibaka and Pascal Siakam have been playing well over the last five games for Toronto. Ibaka has averaged 22.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Not to be outdone, Siakam has recorded 15.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals a game during that span.
After the Raptors won three out of four games against the Knicks last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Toronto won 132-106. The Raptors had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.6 vs. 17.4) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.591 vs. 0.494).
Knicks vs. Raptors Betting Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
New York ranks fifth in second chance points per game (15.7) while Toronto ranks 21st in second chance points allowed per game (13.8).
Toronto averages 18.8 points off turnovers per game, which ranks eighth in the league. New York ranks 16th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.3).
The Raptors rank eighth in rebounds per game (46.8) while the Knicks rank 16th in rebounds allowed per game (45.4).
Toronto is 3-3 ATS at home, while New York is 4-2 ATS on the road.
Bettings Trends:
Over its last five outings, New York is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Toronto is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Knicks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 2.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 119.0 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 106.6 points per game (1.1 below their season average).
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