The Toronto Raptors come into this one after losing a nail-biter against the Boston Celtics. Pascal Siakam was his dominant self, but tonight could present an opportunity for Scottie Barnes to have a significant impact.
The Knicks have been on a skid, and that's concerning, considering starting center Mitchell Robinson will be out of the lineup for several weeks. That's going to cost them tonight.
Find out your best options with our free NBA betting picks and predictions for the Knicks vs. Raptors on Sunday, January 22.
Knicks vs Raptors best odds
Knicks vs Raptors picks and predictions
Tempers were flaring a bit the last time the Raptors and Knicks played one another. Scottie Barnes was in the middle of the noise and didn't go out quietly after the game. Barnes expressed how he feels Knicks forward RJ Barrett doesn't have the ideal size to guard him. Barrett most recently responded by saying he's hoping he gets the Barnes defensive assignment tonight.
Here we go.
The rivalry between RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes goes back to high school, writes @SBondyNYDN
— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) January 21, 2023
Now the two are NBA foes with mutual respect — but have some extra motivation for their head-to-head in Toronto.https://t.co/4Uud1WHnDQ
If Barrett indeed gets his wish, I like Barnes a lot in that matchup! First, Barnes has begun to heat up of late, averaging 21.2 points per game over his last five games. In his previous matchup against the Knicks, the 21-year-old posted 26 points. It was on full display how his unique size and skill set make it hard for a team like New York to defend him.
The absence of Mitchell Robinson in this one will undoubtedly make Barnes an enticing play tonight. Barnes likes to produce around the basket and averages 9.5 points in the paint per game. If he matches up with Barrett for a good chunk of the game, he could be in for a big night, as he's roughly three inches taller. His ability to put the ball on the floor will also give Julius Randle problems.
Barnes’ 16.5 points Over/Under for tonight is entirely reasonable. That's a mark he's surpassed in six of his last 10 games. Even coming into this one with no rest day in between, Barnes should have more than enough in the tank to have a big impact.
My best bet: Scottie Barnes Over 16.5 points (-114)
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Knicks vs Raptors spread analysis
Tonight, the Raptors are slight -1 favorites over the Knicks. Tonight is an important game for both teams as we inch just a little closer to the end of the season. Both sides will want to gain a better position within the conference. The Raptors should be a more significant favorite, despite coming off a back-to-back.
Even before Robinson went down, the Knicks' defense has already looked very suspect, and that's concerning. New York needs a viable rim protector with Robinson out, which means the Raptors will be slashing to the basket relentlessly, testing the young and inexperienced Jericho Sims. Sims, an elite athlete, has yet to show the ability to block shots and scare opponents away from the basket. Consider this stat: The Knicks shot a remarkable 59 percent from the field against the Atlanta Hawks and still lost the game by 15.
The Raptors have taken two out of three in this series, with each game decided by seven points or less. Again, I think Robinson's injury impacts the Knicks more than Vegas may even realize. Toronto is in an excellent position to take command of this game.
Knicks vs Raptors Over/Under analysis
At the moment, the Over/Under is currently set at 222. While Robinson's injury will surely leave more opportunities to score for Toronto, both teams are ranked in the Bottom 5 in the league. Neither team pushes the ball often, running more traditional offenses with many half-court sets. That's fine, but it takes both teams time to get into their sets, which eats into the game clock over time.
The Raptors and Knicks are in the bottom quarter of the league in field goal percentage. As stated earlier, both teams don't push the pace, which only compounds the inefficient scoring for total purposes.
These two sides typically hit the Over, but the Raptors are on the second night of a back-to-back. I'm expecting an ugly game that drags to the finish line.
Knicks vs Raptors betting trend to know
Knicks are 1-10 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Toronto. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Raptors.
Knicks vs Raptors game info
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Sunday, January 22, 2023 |
| Tip-off: | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | MSG, TSN |
Knicks vs Raptors key injuries
