The First Measuring Stick
Date: Saturday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Opponent: Toronto Raptors
Venue: Air Canada Centre
2015-16 Season Series: 3-1, Raptors
The New York Knicks are attempting to make the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2012-13. 2012-13 was also the last time the Knicks won the division title, with the Toronto Raptors claiming it in each of the past three seasons.
On DATE, New York will have the opportunity to prove just how far it’s come when it faces those Raptors at VENUE HERE.
The Raptors may have lost Bismack Biyombo, but don’t confuse that with an overall regression. DeMar DeRozan is entering his prime, and both he and Kyle Lowry are gaining invaluable experience with Team USA.
Furthermore, defensive stopper DeMarre Carroll projects to be healthy in 2016-17—which he wasn’t in 2015-16—and Jonas Valanciunas is on the brink of a breakout.
If all goes according to plan, the Raptors will be even more of a force in 2016-17 than they were in 2015-16. Following a season during which Toronto won 56 games and reached the Eastern Conference Finals, that’s troublesome for the Knicks.
On DATE, New York will have a chance to earn an early leg up in what projects to be a tight race for the division title.
Next: Christmas Day