New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors: Match Preview and Predictions - 27th November 2019
Match details
Fixture: New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors
Date & Time: Wednesday, 27th November 2019 (7:30 PM ET)
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Last game results
New York Knicks (4-13): 103-101 loss to the Brooklyn Nets
Toronto Raptors (12-4): 101-96 win against the Philadelphia 76ers
New York Knicks Preview
The New York Knicks are currently last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 4-13 and in the midst of a three-game losing streak, in which all three defeats have been closely contested. Their most recent was against the Nets, who beat them by two points.
The Nets were without Kyrie Irving (shoulder), though Spencer Dinwiddie proved pivotal in helping them secure a win over their division rivals. The close defeat came shortly after a five-point loss against the Sixers and a seven-point loss against the Spurs respectively.
Also read: NBA Rumors - Nerlens Noel and Danilo Gallinari could be traded to the Portland Trail Blazers
The Knicks have been 'in' their last few games but lack the late-game nous to ultimately come through with wins. Now, they head to Toronto in hopes of ending their losing streak.
Key Player - RJ Barrett
While RJ Barrett is listed as questionable for this game due to illness, there is a chance he plays this one. Barrett was the third pick of this year's draft and so far, he has been decent - averaging 15.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
The young guard/forward is from Toronto and this will be his first game in his hometown. Naturally a big game, if he does feature he'll be hoping to enjoy a great one.
In the event that Barrett does not play, the Knicks will have to rely on a backcourt of Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina. The Knicks used this lineup in their loss to the Nets while Barrett sat out. The predicted lineup below reflects that:
Knicks predicted lineup
Marcus Morris, Julius Randle, Taj Gibson, Frank Ntilikina, Kevin Knox
Toronto Raptors Preview
The Toronto Raptors are off to a great start as they are fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors have a record of 12-4 and are on a four-game winning streak. Kawhi Leonard's departure has not affected the Raptors - at least not as much as we thought - while silencing critics by playing as a team.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors - Chicago Bulls currently have no plans to trade Lauri Markkanen
They were victorious over the Sixers on Monday and will host the Knicks on Wednesday, so will their winning streak continue?
Key Player - Pascal Siakam
Last season, Pascal Siakam made a name for himself. He was named Most Improved Player, averaging a career-best in nearly every statistical category. The Raptors found a building block towards their future, and so far, he has lived up to that.
This season, Siakam is averaging 25.7 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4 assists - leading the Raptors in both points and rebounds. Collectively, they are off to a good start in 19-20 but Siakam has played a significant role in that.
Raptors predicted lineup
OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol, Norman Powell, Fred VanVleet
Knicks vs Raptors Match Prediction
These Atlantic Division rivals are in different positions, the Raptors are tied for first in the division with the Celtics, and the Knicks are dead last.
The Raptors are 8-2 in their last 10 games and are on their winning streak. If everything goes right, the streak will continue as expected.
Where to watch Knicks vs Raptors?
This game will be aired on MSG and NBA League Pass.