When RJ Barrett was included in the trade for OG Anunoby it felt like it was done just to make the money work. But Barrett has flourished in the 6ix, with hopes of showing that off when he and the Toronto Raptors visit the New York Knicks tonight.
My Raptors vs Knicks predictions highlight how Barrett will impact this matchup, particularly when it comes to cleaning the glass. Here are my NBA picks for this Atlantic Division battle on Monday, Dec. 23.
Raptors vs Knicks prediction
My Raptors pick
RJ Barrett 8+ rebounds (+230 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
The rebuild is a full go for the Toronto Raptors.
They enter tonight’s matchup against the New York Knicks with a 7-22 record straight up. Toronto will be in tough against an 18-10 Knicks team that is a 14-point home favorite fresh off a sweep of a three-game road trip.
That said, there have been some bright spots for the Raps. Despite the losses piling up, this team has been scrappy, going 19-9-1 ATS this season. Secondly, RJ Barrett has been so good he's worked himself into the conversation as a part of the solution.
The 24-year-old is arguably having the best season of his career, averaging 23.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. Additionally, his first 56 games with the Raptors have resulted in the best effective field goal percentage and true field goal percentage of his career.
Barrett has missed the last two games due to illness, and his presence has definitely been missed. He’s been one of the Raptors' primary scorers, but he’s also put in great work on the glass. This will be needed even more with Jakob Poeltl sitting out with a groin injury.
Poeltl is the Raptors’ leading rebounder, so other guys will have to step up in that area. So, why not Barrett, who could be primed for a big game in his return to Madison Square Garden after being traded almost a year ago?
Prior to Barrett’s illness, he was having himself a December to remember, putting up 25.1 points while those rebounds jumped up to 7.9 per game over seven outings. That includes hauling down eight boards in a meeting against this same Knicks team in Toronto back on Dec. 9.
In fact, Barrett has grabbed eight or more rebounds four times during that seven-game stretch. New York ranks a middling 11th in the NBA in rebounding rate, and I love the narrative around Barrett having a big game tonight. Oh, I also love the plus money.
Raptors vs Knicks same-game parlay
RJ Barrett 8+ Rebounds
Gradey Dick 3+ threes
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 23.5 points
Another young gun who is playing himself into the conversation for Toronto’s future is sophomore Gradey Dick. The shooting guard is taking a leap in his development this season, averaging 18.3 points per game.
Dick, who is known as a sharpshooter, went a little cold from 3-point range in November, and then an injury didn’t help. But it looks like his shooting touch has come back since his return. Dick is shooting 37.9% on 8.3 attempts from beyond the arc over his last seven games.
One place you can attack the Knicks is on the perimeter, where they rank 19th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage and 16th in opponent 3-point attempts per game. Dick has hit three or more threes in five of his last seven games.
No, Jakob Poeltl tonight for the Raptors should mean little resistance for Karl-Anthony Towns down low. KAT is averaging 24.5 points per game this season and has topped 23.5 points in three of his last six games, including 24 against the Raps back on Dec. 9.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Raptors vs Knicks odds
Raptors vs Knicks live odds
Raptors vs Knicks opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +14 | New York -14
- Moneyline: Toronto +700 | New York -1100
- Over/Under: Over 227.5 | Under 227.5
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Knicks spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors opened this Atlantic Divison matchup as two touchdown road underdogs, with the line now ranging between 13.5 and 14.5.
- The Raptors are used to the underdog role, having been favored just once this season, and are 19-8-1 when getting points. New York was unable to cover an eight-point spread in that Dec. 9 meeting back in Toronto, which the Knicks won 113-108.
- The total hit the board at 227.5 and has been bet down slightly, now sitting at 225.5 as of Monday afternoon.
- The Raptor's high-tempo offense and struggling defense typically make them a solid over bet. But the Knicks ranking next-to-last in the NBA in pace of play makes it's easy to see why the early money has been on the Under.
Raptors vs Knicks trend
The Raptors have hit the 1H game total Under in 15 of their last 21 games for +8.25 Units and a 34% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Knicks.
How to watch Raptors vs Knicks
| Location: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date: | Monday, 12-23-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet |
Raptors vs Knicks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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