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The Toronto Raptors play host to the New York Knicks on Friday night in an Eastern Conference showdown from Scotiabank Arena. The Knicks bring a 10-7 record into this one, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Raptors are only one win back, yet sit all the way in the tenth place. Across four meetings last season, Toronto was able to grab three wins, as they aim to get off to a similar start in the series here in 2023. Both these teams expect to be battling for playoff position come the end of the season, making a matchup like this one crucial when things are said and done.
The Knicks are in fifth-place in the Eastern Conference but have still struggled at times to find consistency. Over their last four games, they've alternated wins and losses, while only covering the spread in one of those. The schedule hasn't been too difficult either so far this year but after this one, a road trip to Milwaukee looms. It hasn't seemed to matter a ton whether they've been at home or on the road, though a winning record on the road is certainly impressive. After struggling against Toronto last season, they'll need to get off to a quick start on the road in this one to grab the win and set the tone against another playoff contender.
It should help the Knicks going forward that they have been able to get healthier as the season has worn on. Ryan Arcidiacono (ankle) is the only player on the injury report for Friday and even he appears probable. Even if he can 't give it a go though, his absence isn't likely to alter how this one goes.
Despite some big names, the offense has struggled at times this season, ranked only 28th in the league in field-goal percentage. The three-point shot has served as an equalizer for them, as has rebounding. They are second in the league in offensive rebounding and their ability to generate second-chance opportunities has been a difference-maker. Jalen Brunson (24.1 ppg) continues to lead the way in more ways than one, but Julius Randle (19.9 ppg) and RJ Barrett (19.2 ppg) give additional scoring options on any given night. Look for New York to try to slow this game down to their liking, in an effort to limit possessions.
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