The New York Knicks will get their first look of the season at the Raptors when they square off in Toronto on Friday night. It's also the first time the teams will play one another since the Knicks filed a lawsuit against the Raptors, so it should be interesting.
As expected, the Raptors sit toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 9-10 record. Toronto is coming off a big win, though. On Wednesday, the Raptors knocked off Kevin Durant and the Suns, 112-105. Scottie Barnes led his team with 23 points (7-of-15), and Pascal Siakam had 22 (9-of-21).
Toronto also has big wins over Minnesota (Oct. 25), Milwaukee (Nov. 1), and Dallas (Nov. 8). You never know what Raptors team is going to show up on any given night.
The Knicks will be playing in the second half of a back-to-back as they beat the Pistons on Thursday at MSG, 118-112. Jalen Brunson poured in 42 points (7-of-12 from three), eight assists, and six rebounds. Julius Randle added 29 points (12-of-21), 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
New York struggled to put away the worst team in the league, and if the team plays like that against Toronto, the Knicks will leave Canada with a loss.
Projected starting lineups tonight
New York: Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson
Toronto: Dennis Schroder, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, Jakob Poeltl
Knicks injury report
Julius Randle (knee) is listed as questionable.
UPDATE: Julius Randle is available.
Julius Randle’s right knee is tender but the current plan is that he’s going to give it a go tonight vs. TOR, per SNY sources. The All Star PF is listed as questionable for tonight due to right knee inflammation. NYK (11-7) is on the 2nd game of a back to back.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 1, 2023
Raptors injury report
Christian Koloko (illness) is listed as out.
New York's next five opponents
New York will have a few days off before traveling to Milwaukee for its In-Season Tournament quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday.
Dec. 5 at Milwaukee (In-Season Tournament)
Dec. 6-9: TBD
Dec. 11 vs. Toronto
Dec. 13 at Utah
Dec. 15 at Phoenix