Toronto-raptors vs New York Knicks Picks and Predictions December 9th 2024

Faster Starts a Priority for Knicks, Raptors

The New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors will face off on Monday night in Toronto, both aiming to shake off sluggish starts that cost them in their respective Saturday losses.

Knicks Struggle Without Towns

The Knicks fell 120-111 to the Detroit Pistons, trailing by as many as 17 points before rallying to within two. Despite the comeback effort, New York never held a lead.

“We started slow,” said Jalen Brunson, who finished with 31 points and 10 assists. “They dictated the pace and the physicality.”

Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the need for a stronger team effort.

“The way we started the game, they got going offensively, and we weren’t into the ball,” Thibodeau said.

The Knicks were without Karl-Anthony Towns, who averages 25.2 points and 13.2 rebounds. Towns was scratched due to left knee soreness and is questionable for Monday’s game. Reserve guard Cameron Payne also remains questionable with a swollen elbow.

Energy a Focus for Knicks

Josh Hart, who contributed 17 points off the bench, noted the team’s recurring issue with slow starts.

“We lacked energy in that first quarter,” Hart said. “We can’t always try to dig ourselves out of holes.”

The Knicks trailed 39-23 after the first quarter against Detroit and will look to avoid a similar deficit in Toronto.

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Raptors’ Late Surge Falls Short

The Raptors also found themselves in a deep hole on Saturday, trailing the Dallas Mavericks by 24 points before narrowing the gap to seven in a 125-118 loss.

“I don’t think that we played hard enough in the first half,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. “Against that type of opponent, you’ve got to bring it for 48 minutes.”

Gradey Dick led Toronto with 27 points, while Jakob Poeltl returned from illness to add 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

Barnes and Olynyk Shine

Scottie Barnes recorded his sixth double-double in seven games with 19 points and a career-best 14 assists. Kelly Olynyk, making his season debut after recovering from a back injury, added 13 points in 14 minutes off the bench.

“The shooting that Kelly brings to the team, that’s a big factor,” Rajakovic said.

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Recent History

The Knicks swept the Raptors 4-0 last season, but both teams are looking for a fresh start.

Key Matchup

• Jalen Brunson vs. Scottie Barnes: Brunson’s playmaking will be critical for the Knicks, while Barnes’ all-around game gives the Raptors a versatile weapon.

Outlook

Both teams aim to address their energy and focus from the opening tip. With Towns’ status uncertain, the Knicks will need a collective effort, while the Raptors hope their recent improvements in ball movement and player availability spark a complete performance.