The Toronto Raptors have to be cursing the schedule-makers for this rough stretch against offensive powerhouses, and the road gets no easier tonight as the free-scoring New York Knicks arrive at Scotiabank Arena for a 7:30 p.m. tip on TSN.
We saw a barrage of points in Toronto’s losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks last week, and my Knicks vs Raptors predictions signal another spree here, led by R.J. Barrett looking to take down his former team.
This is the only matchup on the Monday, December 9 slate and my NBA picks break down this Eastern Conference battle.
Raptors vs Knicks prediction
My Raptors pick
R.J. Barrett Over 22.5 points (-110 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
It’s still too early to fully evaluate the trade that sent R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley from the New York Knicks to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for OG Anunoby, but that deal provides plenty of subplots for tonight’s clash.
While Anunoby was viewed as the biggest prize in the trade, Barrett has morphed into a more efficient scorer since joining the Raptors, including a big jump in field-goal percentage last season and a career-best scoring average this year.
With his former team in town, I expect Barrett to have an extra chip on his shoulder, and I like the Over on his points prop.
He’s averaging 25.3 ppg so far in December while adjusting to playing next to Scottie Barnes, and he’s shot 50% or better in five of his last six contests. That speaks to Toronto’s injury woes easing and fewer double teams for him to navigate.
Barrett is also 19-for-22 at the free-throw line across his past four games, and he should be in attack mode against a Knicks team short on rim protection with Mitchell Robinson sidelined and Karl-Anthony Towns listed as questionable.
New York leaked 120 points to the Detroit Pistons last time out, and we’re still waiting to see the best version of the visitors’ perimeter defense. Even if Barrett sees a lot of Anunoby or Mikal Bridges, there are other matchups to target on switches.
The end state for this Raptors roster is still fluid, but Barrett is making his case to be a headline act and I see him producing another strong stat line tonight.
Raptors vs Knicks same-game parlay
R.J. Barrett Over 22.5 points
Over 232.5
Josh Hart Over 8.5 rebounds
Whether Towns plays or not, settle in for a high-scoring night. The Over has hit in seven of New York’s last 10 games — and, stepping back further, it’s 35-16 in the visitors’ past 51 contests.
Meanwhile, Toronto was picked apart in its two prior outings — first by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, then by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving — and is now allowing 117.4 ppg. That should be music to Jalen Brunson’s ears.
The Knicks rank sixth in points per game this year, and I’m banking on that offense by taking the Over for my SGP.
I’m also wagering on Josh Hart to be a force on the glass. As one of the NBA’s best wing rebounders, he’s pulled down double-digit boards in three of his last five games, including 13 against the Orlando Magic last week.
With the Knicks’ frontcourt depth being stretched, Hart is a good bet to near the 40-minute mark tonight as New York leans on some smaller line-ups, and I see him thriving with that heavy volume.
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 +6 (-110) | New York -6 (-110)
- Moneyline: Toronto +200 | New York -245
- Over/Under: Over 230 (-110) | Under 230 (-110)
Raptors vs Knicks spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Knicks bring a pedestrian 6-6 road record to Scotiabank Arena, but they’re clear favorites after winning four in a row against the Raptors, including a 145-101 beatdown back in March.
- Though the Raptors are 16-8 ATS this season, they’ve given up at least 125 points in two straight.
- Toronto has hit the 1Q Over in 20 of its last 28 home games, and the 4Q Over has been a winning ticket in 35 of New York’s past 48 contests.
- The Knicks are second in the league in both field-goal percentage (50%) and 3-point percentage (39.8%), while the Raptors allow the most free-throw attempts per game in the NBA (27.3).
Raptors vs Knicks trend
The Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between these teams. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Knicks.
How to watch Raptors vs Knicks
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Monday, 12-9-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN, NBATV |
Raptors vs Knicks latest injuries
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