New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 9, 2024

The New York Knicks face the Toronto Raptors on Monday for the first time this season. New York hopes to bounce back following a 120-111 home loss to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. Karl-Anthony Towns, who sat out the Pistons game, is questionable for the Raptors matchup.

The Raptors, meanwhile, will be without key players against Jalen Brunson and Co. Former Knick Immanuel Quickley is out with an elbow injury, while Bruce Brown is ramping up his conditioning. In their absence, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl and Grady Dick will lead Toronto.

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New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors: Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds and Betting Tips

The Scotiabank Arena in Toronto will host the Knicks-Raptors showdown. Basketball fans can also catch the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Knicks (-245) vs. Raptors (+200)

Odds: Knicks (-6.0) vs. Raptors (+6.0)

Total (O/U): Knicks (o231.5 -110) vs. Raptors u231.5 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed are as per available information at the time of writing.

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New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors preview

New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau lamented his team’s slow start on Saturday against the Detroit Pistons. Despite playing in front of a home crowd, they fell behind 39-23 and couldn't recover.

Regardless of whether Karl-Anthony Towns plays or not, they can’t afford another lackluster start on the road versus the Raptors. Brunson and Co. must also limit their turnovers to prevent the hosts from pulling off an upset.

Like the Knicks, the Toronto Raptors also had a lethargic start in their 125-118 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Especially against an elite team, the Raptors will have to keep in step with their favored opponents.

Toronto is starting to play well with the return of some key players. Immanuel Quickley is still out, but Kelly Olynyk returned from a long injury layoff. Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl and RJ Barrett have been playing well. If Gradey Dick can sustain the form showed against Dallas, the Raptors could pull the rug from under the stacked Knicks.

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New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors predicted starting lineups

Knicks

PG: Jalen Brunson | SG: Josh Hart | SF: Mikal Bridges | PF: OG Anunoby | C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Raptors

PG: Scottie Barnes | SG: Gradey Dick | SF: Ochai Agbaji | SF: RJ Barrett | C: Jakob Poeltl

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New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors betting tips

Jalen Brunson hasn’t been his high-scoring self in December. Before dropping 31 points against the Pistons, he averaged 20.3 points in his previous three games.

The Raptors, though, have had trouble consistently slowing down their opponents. They are 22nd in defensive rating and still awaiting Bruce Brown to play. Brunson could have another big scoring night and top his 24.5 (O/U) points prop.

RJ Barrett, meanwhile, is averaging 25.3 points per game in December but hasn’t topped 20 points in his last two games. The Knicks trio of OG Anunoby, Michael Bridges or Josh Hart will take turns trying to slow down the Canadian. Betting under Barrett's 21.5 (O/U) points prop seems the right pick.

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New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors prediction

If Karl-Anthony Towns plays, the New York Knicks will likely win and beat the -6.0 spread. If KAT is out, the visitors could still walk away with a victory, but the Toronto Raptors could cover the spread.