The New York Knicks will travel across the border looking to go three-zip against the Toronto Raptors this season.

Catch the game tomorrow, January 29th, at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: New York Knicks (28-18, 9-12 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Jalen Brunson
  • OG Anunoby
  • Josh Hart
  • Mikal Bridges
  • Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks are slowly but surely trying to erase the ugly 2-9 stretch they just had. They have now won three in a row since, all by double digits – one was actually a 54-point massacre on the Brooklyn Nets.

Adding to the re-brewing of their confidence is their 2-0 record against the Raptors this season. Both were one-sided too: 116-94 on December 1st and 117-101 just nine days later. The starting five all reached double-digit scoring in both games, with All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns each having team-leading performances. The beauty of the group is that others are also capable of scoring well – OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and even second unit guys Miles McBride and Jordan Clarkson, among others.

New York is top 9 in points and points allowed per game, and third in offensive rating.

HOME: Toronto Raptors (29-19, 13-10 ROAD)

Projected starting five:

  • Immanuel Quickley
  • Brandon Ingram
  • RJ Barrett
  • Scottie Barnes
  • Sandro Mamukelashvili

The Raptors are back home and also hoping to maintain momentum. The scrappy bunch, who are among the welcomed surprises in the league this season, have stitched together four consecutive victories. All were on the road, three of which were blowouts and the last one being a big upset on the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

While talent is everywhere, Immanuel Quickley has been the star this past week. He had a 40-point double-double vs. the Golden State Warriors and another strong double-double in the aforementioned W over the Thunder. He’s one to watch, especially as he eyes to show up his former team. Others should be equally motivated given the two defeats they’ve suffered vs. the Knicks. 

Other main guys are sure to provide damage as well. Scottie Barnes is a top two-way player, Brandon Ingram is a classic scorer, and RJ Barrett is a capable scorer, who, like IQ, is an ex-Knick, and thus always motivated to put on a show opposite New York.

Toronto is top 6 in points allowed per game and defensive rating.

PICKS

Spread: Raptors (-1.5)

Over/Under: Over (223)