New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors: Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s - January 2nd, 2021 | NBA Season 2021-22
The New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors will lock horns for the third time in the 2021-22 NBA season on Sunday.
The Raptors hold a 2-0 advantage in the series and will be eager to maintain their perfect record against the Knicks this season. They will fancy their chances of a victory given the Knicks are shorthanded. They are without stars Julius Randle, Kemba Walker and a few other key role players as well.
New York are low on confidence, having been beaten 95-80 by the OKC Thunder in their previous game. They have a 17-19 record this season. Toronto, meanwhile, is coming off a 116-108 against the LA Clippers and will be in great spirits ahead of this home fixture. The Raptors have 15-17 record this season.
Toronto Raptors Injury Report
The Toronto Raptors have only three players on their injury report. Rookie Scottie Barnes is listed as probable, while David Johnson and Goran Dragic have been ruled out.
New York Knicks Injury Report
The New York Knicks have listed 10 players on their injury report. Evan Fournier is listed as questionable, while eight players have been ruled out. They include Julius Randle, Kemba Walker, Derrick Rose and Mitchell Robinson.
New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors: Predicted Lineups
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks will be forced to make changes to the starting lineup they deployed in their last game. If Evan Fournier is available to play, he will start in the backcourt alongside Miles McBride, while Obi Toppin and RJ Barrett will likely partner Taj Gibson on the frontcourt.
Immanuel Quickley, Alec Burks and Quentin Grimes could play the most number of minutes among the reserves.
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors could start Scottie Barnes in place of Khem Birch if the former is cleared to play. The rest of the lineup featuring Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam will likely stay the same.
Birch, Yuta Watanabe and Chris Boucher could play the most minutes coming off the bench.
New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors: Predicted Starting 5s
New York Knicks
Point Guard - Miles McBride; Shooting Guard - Evan Fournier; Small Forward - RJ Barrett; Power Forward - Obi Toppin; Center - Taj Gibson.
Toronto Raptors
Point Guard - Fred VanVleet; Shooting Guard - Gary Trent Jr.; Small Forward - OG Anunoby; Power Forward - Scottie Barnes; Center - Pascal Siakam.