Toronto Raptors (16-25) vs. New York Knicks (24-17)
Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks 1/20/24 – As the NBA season progresses, the Toronto Raptors, currently at a 16-25 standing, prepare to face off against the New York Knicks with a more favorable 24-17 record. This matchup is stirring up excitement among basketball enthusiasts, especially with the game taking place in the iconic Madison Square Garden. This encounter promises to be more than just a regular game, as it comes with free expert NBA analysis, giving fans deeper insights into what to expect.
The Toronto Raptors have struggled this season to establish themselves. While their offensive abilities are readily evident with an average of 115 points per game and field goal percentage of 48.1%, their defensive play hasn’t been as effective, evidenced by a recent poor 1-4 record. Their strength lies in their balanced attack led by Pascal Siakam; 3-point shooting accuracy (35.6%) and rebounding figures (44) will both prove valuable against New York; yet turnover rates of 12.7 per game as well as recent performance fluctuations remain major concerns for them.
New York Knicks have shown more consistent performances this season. Their slightly better record in their last five games (3-2), combined with their higher overall standings indicate a more cohesive unit. They excel in 3-point shooting averaging 13.3 made per game at 37.4% success rate (better than Raptors); free throw percentage is impressively 77.6% and rebounding averaged 45.8 per game while they led in assists per game (24) when compared with Raptors (29.4) which could indicate lower ball movement which could ultimately determine who wins or losses games.
Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks 1/20/24 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Madison Square Garden |
| TV: | MSG |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Pascal Siakam (PF) vs. Jalen Brunson (PG)
Pascal Siakam has stepped up as the Raptors’ lead option, increasing his scoring average to 22 points per game along with 6.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists. He is averaging 34.7 minutes and shooting 48.1% from the field. Though sometimes turnover prone with 2.1 per game, he remains an athletic mismatch who can score from all three levels. Siakam is also contributing 1.4 offensive rebounds and 0.8 steals per game. He must avoid settling for jumpers and instead leverage his quickness advantage against New York’s forwards
Jalen Brunson has added a true pick-and-roll maestro to New York’s attack, averaging 25.8 points, 6.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. He’s playing 35.7 minutes per game and adding 1 steal while limiting turnovers to 2.3 per contest. Brunson lacks elite size or athleticism, so he thrives on craft and shooting ability. His patience in the two-man game opens up looks for teammates. Brunson is also grabbing 0.6 offensive boards and contributing 0.2 blocks each game. He should find success operating in the pick-and-roll against Toronto’s shaky defense.
This matchup pits two high-usage lead creators against each other. Both Siakam and Brunson will look to leverage their versatile scoring skills to attack mismatches. Each player’s ability to balance scoring with playmaking while limiting turnovers could swing the game. Their individual battle in both halfcourt and transition situations could decide this matchup. Whichever player properly balances aggression with efficiency for their team is most likely to come out on top.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are currently TBD, reflecting the unpredictability of the matchup. However, based on current performances and team stats, insights can be drawn for potential bettors.
Toronto Raptors Betting Trends
The Toronto Raptors have shown inconsistency in recent games. Though they were 3-2 against the spread over their last five, overall performance has been dismal and 3 of their last 5 matches went OVER total points, perhaps reflecting defensive issues or weakness that resulted in high-scoring matches.
New York Knicks Betting Trends
The Knicks have shown resilience as well. Going 3-2 against both their last five games and against the spread, while only going over in total points one time out of those five may indicate more restrained and defensive style of play.
Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks 1/20/24 Betting Picks
Considering the analysis and betting trends, the Knicks, playing at home, might have a slight edge in this matchup. Their consistent performance and superior 3-point shooting capability could be the deciding factors. For bettors looking for premium play predictions, considering the Knicks for a straight win could be a smart choice, especially given the Raptors’ recent form.
However, the Raptors, known for their fighting spirit, cannot be discounted easily. A potential prop bet could be on Pascal Siakam scoring above his season average, given his crucial role in the team’s offense. The over/under for the game will largely depend on whether both teams lean towards their recent trends in scoring.
Free Pick and Prediction: New York Knicks 112, Toronto Raptors 107.