The New York Knicks (23-32) will try to put an end to their six-game skid when they meet the Toronto Raptors (35-17) at Madison Square Garden. Action begins at 7:30 pm ET on Monday, Feb. 22 and can be seen on MSG and SNT.
The Knicks are expecting a better outcome after their 111-108 loss to the Wizards in their last matchup. Despite the loss, Carmelo Anthony earned his 16th double-double this season with 33 points and 13 rebounds. The Raptors, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 117-112 loss against the Timberwolves in their last game. DeMar DeRozan led the team in scoring with 35 points.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Raptors had the upper hand in the most recent game, a 103-93 win. Kyle Lowry put up 26 points and 10 assists.
The Knicks come into this game 24-33 Straight Up (SU) and 30-26-1 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 8-1 SU and 7-2 ATS against divisional opponents. The Knicks have seen an uptick in scoring against teams inside their division, averaging 107.3 points per game. They average 99.2 points per game on the season. The Knicks lead the NBA in free throw percentage, shooting an impressive .808 from the free throw line.
In the other locker room, the Raptors have 36-18 SU and 29-24-1 ATS records. Against fellow division members, Toronto has a 6-5 SU and ATS record. The Raptors get to the line and convert their free throws at a high volume, ranking fourth in the league with 1,077 made (20.0 per game). Shifting to the other side of the court, the Raptors allow just 97.5 points per game, ranking them fifth in the league.
In their previous meeting this season, Toronto beat New York, bumping its SU record over the last 10 meetings to 6-4. With a 7-3 record, the Knicks have the advantage ATS.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tor
Notes
New York puts up an average of 99.2 points per game (ranked 23rd), while Toronto gives up 97.5 points per game (ranked fifth).
On average, New York scores 100.8 points per home game (ranked 23rd), while Toronto allows 98.5 points per away game (ranked fifth).
New York has a 14-12 record when allowing fewer than 100 points. Toronto has a 9-8 record when failing to hit the century mark.
The New York Knicks have a subpar 9-20 record in games where they have allowed at least 100 points. The Toronto Raptors are 26-9 when they hit triple digits.
The Knicks have an offensive rating of 103.0 (ranked 18th). The Raptors rank ninth for their defensive rating of 101.9.
The New York Knicks average 96.3 possessions per game and 1.030 points per possession, while the Toronto Raptors earn fewer possessions (95.3) but more points per possession (1.069).
The New York Knicks average an effective field goal percentage of 48.1% this season. The Toronto Raptors have split their games 16-16 when opponents have an EFF% of 48.1% or greater.
On average, the New York Knicks make 20.4 assists per game and the Toronto Raptors make 18.4. New York is ranked 24th, while Toronto is ranked 28th.
New York makes an average of 5.6 blocks per game (ranked seventh), while Toronto makes 5.3 blocks per game (ranked 12th).
New York is ranked 15th in offensive rebounding. Toronto ranks 17th in defensive rebounds.
The Toronto Raptors average 8.3 steals per game (ranked ninth). The New York Knicks have a poor 7-12 record when they allow at least 8 steals.
