The New York Knicks (2-2) visit the Toronto Raptors (0-3) at their 2020-21 season home of Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off on New Year’s Eve. Below, we analyze the Knicks-Raptors NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Both teams were off Wednesday. The Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 95-86 on the road Tuesday. The Raptors blew an 8-point, half-time lead in a 100-93 loss at the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday.
Knicks at Raptors: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:48 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Knicks +333 (bet $100 to win $333) | Raptors -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Knicks +9.5 (-120) | Raptors -9.5 (+100)
- Over/Under: 215.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Knicks at Raptors: Key Injuries
Knicks
- SG Alec Burks (ankle) questionable
- PF Kevin Knox II (knee) probable
- PG Frank Ntilikina (knee) out
- G Immanuel Quickley (hip) questionable
- PG Austin Rivers (groin) questionable
- PG Dennis Smith Jr. (quadriceps) out
- C Omari Spellman (knee) out
- F Obi Toppin (calf) out
Toronto
- None
Special NBA Betting Promotion!
Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion.
Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!
Knicks at Raptors: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Raptors 116, Knicks 103
Money line (ML)
The winless Raptors have played much better (most of the time) than their record shows. They’ve held leads for significant durations in all three games but have struggled to play a complete 48 minutes at both ends of the court. PF Pascal Siakam (18.7 points per game) and G Fred VanVleet (14.7 PPG) have especially struggled while shooting 39.3% and 36.4%, respectively, from the field. PG Kyle Lowry, however, is averaging 19.3 PPG and 9.7 assists per game on 42.2% field-goal shooting and 39.1% from 3-point range.
The Knicks overcame their injury issues in a comfortable win over the Cavs, but the degree of difficulty will be ratcheted up Thursday against a healthier and more talented Raptors squad. PF Julius Randle and PG RJ Barrett meet their matches in Siakam and Lowry, respectively.
The Raptors finally get a win Thursday, but we can’t lay -450 on an 0-3 team, or any team for that matter. PASS on the ML and turn to the spread for the proper value.
Against the spread (ATS)
The Raptors and Knicks met just twice in the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 campaign. Toronto won by scores of 126-98 and 118-112.
There are just far too many players shooting below their career averages for the Raptors to continue to struggle offensively. They’re averaging an Eastern Conference-worst 102.0 PPG – down from 112.8 PPG in 2019-20.
Bet the RAPTORS -9.5 (+100) to right the ship and pummel a familiar opponent in a win by 10 or more points.
Over/Under (O/U)
Both teams are coming off their best defensive efforts of the 2020-21 season. Again, the Knicks will be better-tested against a healthier and deeper team than the Cavs.
Back the OVER 215.5 (-110) on one of the lowest projections on the NYE slate. Both meetings last year saw at least 220 points scored.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- NBA opening week delivers highest viewership since 2012 (Rookie Wire)
- Hoops Hype rumors: Knicks | Raptors
Follow Esten McLaren on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]