The Toronto Raptors hope to rebound after 2 losses in a row as they host the New York Knicks this evening.
(3-4) New York Knicks @ (5-2) Toronto Raptors
Probable starting line-ups:
New York – PG – Jose Calderon SG – Sasha Vujacic C – Robin Lopez SF – Carmelo Anthony PF – Kristaps Porzingis
Toronto – PG – Kyle Lowry SG – DeMar DeRozan C – Jonas Valanciunas SF – James Johnson PF – Luis Scola
Stats Leaders:
New York – PPG – Carmelo Anthony 21.4 RPG – Kristaps Porzingis 8.6 APG – Jerian Grant 4.0
Toronto – PPG – DeMar DeRozan 21.4 RPG – Jonas Valanciunas 10.1 APG – Kyle Lowry 6.3
Team Scoring: (with league ranking in parentheses)
New York – PF – 100.1 (19th) PA – 100.4 (14th)
Toronto – PF – 99.0 (20th) PA – 95.1 (5th)
Overview:
The New York Knicks put a halt to their 3 game losing skid with a 99-95 victory at home versus the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday evening. Starting small forward Carmelo Anthony poured in the 24 points. He also had 8 rebounds and 2 assists. He shot 8 of 20 from the field, 6 of 6 from the free throw line, and 2 of 6 from the 3 point line. Starting center Robin Lopez notched a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. He also had 4 assists. He was 5 of 9 from the field and 4 of 4 from the free throw line. Starting point guard Jose Calderon contributed with 14 points. He also had 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. He was 6 of 12 from the field and 2 of 6 from the 3 point line. Backup point guard Langston Galloway had 14 points. He also had 4 rebounds. He shot 5 of 9 from the field, 1 of 1 from the free throw line, and 3 of 4 from the 3 point line. Starting power forward Kristaps Porzingis tallied a double-double as he scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. He also had 2 blocks. He was 3 of 10 from the field, 5 of 6 from the free throw line, and 1 of 3 from the 3 point line. Backup small forward Lance Thomas chipped in with 7 points and 2 rebounds. He shot 2 of 3 from the field and 3 of 4 from the free throw line. Backup power forward Derrick Williams had 6 points. He was 1 of 4 from the field and 4 of 6 from the free throw line. The team shot 39.3% from the field, 82.8% from the free throw line, and 33.3% from the 3 point line. They out-rebounded the Lakers 52-46. Each team turned the ball over 9 times. The Knicks had 5 blocks in the game. They outscored the Lakers 28-25 in the 4th quarter. Tonight is the 1st game of a back to back, both on the road. Tomorrow evening they play at the Charlotte Hornets.
The Toronto Raptors have dropped 2 in a row as they were defeated 96-76 at the Miami Heat on Sunday. Starting center Jonas Valanciunas led the team in scoring with 17 points. He also had 5 rebounds. He shot 8 of 12 from the field and 1 of 2 from the free throw line. Starting shooting guard DeMar DeRozan netted 16 points. He also had 3 assists. He was 5 of 14 from the field and 6 of 6 from the free throw line. Starting point guard contributed with 15 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. He was 4 of 16 from the field, 5 of 6 from the free throw line, and 2 of 8 from the 3 point line. Starting small forward James Johnson had 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. He was 3 of 5 from the field and 1 of 4 from the free throw line. Starting power forward Luis Scola chipped in with 7 points. He also had 4 rebounds. He shot 3 of 5 from the field and 1 of 2 from the 3 point line. Backup power forward Bismack Biyombo produced 5 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals. He was 1 of 2 from the field and 3 of 3 from the free throw line. The team shot 39.4% from the field, 77.3% from the free throw line, and 15.8% from the 3 point line. They were 3 of 19 from the 3 point line. They were dominated on the glass as they were out-rebounded 48-38. They turned the ball over 16 times. The Raptors took a 3 point lead in to halftime but were outscored 30-16 in the 3rd and 22-13 in the 4th quarter. Tonight is the 1st of a back to back. Tomorrow night they play at the Philadelphia 76ers.
Last season Toronto was victorious in 3 of 4 meetings with New York. On December 14th 2014, the Raptors hung on for a 95-90 overtime road victory. On December 21st, 2014, the Raptors prevailed 118-108 at home. On February 28th 2015, the Knicks scored a 103-98 home victory. On March 22nd 2015, the Raptors cruised to a 106-89 win on their home floor. The two teams play 3 more times this season: January 28th 2016 at Toronto, February 22nd 2016 at New York, and April 10th 2016 at New York.
Prediction:
The Knicks could be a little better than most ‘experts’ thought before the season as rookie center Kristaps Porzingis could be the steal of the draft. Carmelo may finally have a true sidekick to help him. Meanwhile the Raptors got off to a hot 5-0 start and have back down to Earth in losing their last 2. I think this game will be close with the Raptors edging out the Knicks.
Take the Knicks +8 (1.90) (Bet365)
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