New York Knicks vs Toronto-raptors Picks and Predictions January 8th 2025

Knicks hope Karl-Anthony Towns returns vs. woeful Raptors

The New York Knicks face a critical matchup on Wednesday night as they host the Toronto Raptors, hoping to snap a three-game losing streak. With star center Karl-Anthony Towns listed as questionable due to right knee tendinopathy, the Knicks’ depth and resilience will once again be put to the test against an opponent grappling with its own struggles.

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Karl-Anthony Towns: The Missing Piece for the Knicks

The absence of Karl-Anthony Towns has loomed large for the Knicks. The 7-footer, known for his dominance in the paint, has posted an impressive 30 double-doubles in 34 games this season. Without him, the Knicks have stumbled to a 1-2 record, including a 103-94 home loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday.

Towns, who has also missed games this season due to left knee bruising, has been pivotal in anchoring the Knicks’ offensive and defensive efforts. His availability for Wednesday’s game remains uncertain, but his presence could be a decisive factor in helping the Knicks regain momentum.

“Whoever is in there, it’s a next-man-up mentality,” said Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. “He obviously brings a lot to the game, but it’s unfair to the rest of the guys on the team, who put in all the work, to say without him we weren’t able to do a lot.”

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Challenges for the Knicks’ Depth

Jericho Sims, filling in for Towns, has struggled to make a significant impact. In his third start this season, Sims contributed just four points in 29 minutes against the Magic. This lack of production underscores the Knicks’ bench issues, with reserves collectively averaging just 17.4 points per game.

The Knicks’ starting lineup, featuring Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Towns, collectively averages 99.8 points per game. However, bench players such as Miles McBride, Cameron Payne, and Precious Achiuwa have reached double digits only sporadically.

“We just need to come ready to play with energy, regardless of what happens,” Brunson added.

Raptors: A Season of Woes

For the Raptors, this season has been a nightmare. Entering the game with an 8-28 record, they’ve dropped 13 of their last 14 contests, including a demoralizing 128-104 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. Toronto’s struggles include seven defeats by 20 points or more, with four such losses occurring in just the last two weeks.

RJ Barrett, returning from illness, provided a bright spot with 25 points against the Bucks. Yet the Raptors’ inability to sustain intensity or execution has plagued them all season. Barrett’s postgame comments reflected the team’s frustrations: “You can do Xs and Os, but if you don’t play hard, you don’t play with that level of compete that you need to bring to the game, it’s going to be tough to win.”

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Key Players to Watch

• Knicks:
  • Jalen Brunson: A steady force for the Knicks, his leadership will be crucial in Towns’ absence.
  • Josh Hart: Known for his versatility, Hart’s two-way play can help cover gaps in the lineup.
  • Jericho Sims: All eyes will be on Sims to elevate his game if Towns is unavailable.
• Raptors:
  • RJ Barrett: Fresh off a 25-point performance, Barrett remains the Raptors’ most reliable scorer.
  • Immanuel Quickley: Returning from an elbow injury, his role off the bench could inject life into Toronto’s offense.

Game Outlook

Both teams have something to prove. For the Knicks, winning without Towns would reinforce their depth and resilience. For the Raptors, any victory could serve as a morale booster in what has been a trying season. The Knicks have already shown they can win without key players, as demonstrated by victories without Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson earlier this season. However, their consistency without Towns remains in question.

The Raptors, meanwhile, need more than just individual performances to turn their season around. Sustained effort, defensive intensity, and better execution will be critical if they hope to compete with the Knicks.

Final Thoughts

The Knicks-Raptors showdown is a tale of two struggling teams, but the stakes feel higher for the Knicks, who are fighting to stay competitive in the Atlantic Division. Karl-Anthony Towns’ potential return could tip the scales, but even in his absence, the Knicks have an opportunity to regroup and address their depth issues. Meanwhile, the Raptors must find a way to play with consistency and heart if they hope to salvage any positives from this season.

Will the Knicks regain their footing, or will the Raptors break through their slump? All eyes are on Madison Square Garden for answers.