The Toronto Raptors (4-3) visit the New York Knicks (5-1) Monday. Tipoff at Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Raptors vs. Knicks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The New York Knicks are picking up where they left off last season They’re thriving, but they’re doing so differently. The Knicks defense rating has dropped, but they still rank No. 6 in net rating.
They are 4-2 against the spread (ATS) and have been a solid team to bet on. Led by PG Kemba Walker, SG Evan Fournier and PF Julius Randle, the Knicks have legit Finals aspirations.
They’ll be taking on a surprising Raptors team. No. 4 pick SF Scottie Barnes is finding his footing while OG Anunoby has continued his ascension into stardom.
Without PF Pascal Siakam, no one expected the Raptors to be over .500 through seven games. But they are, and they’re legit.
Let’s dive into how to bet this game.
Raptors at Knicks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 7:38 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Raptors +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Knicks -270 (bet $270 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +6.5 (-115) | Knicks -6.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 210.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Raptors at Knicks key injuries
Raptors
- PF Pascal Siakam (left shoulder) out
Knicks
- C Nerlens Noel (left knee) questionable
Raptors at Knicks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Knicks 111, Raptors 103
Money line
PASS. While I like the Knicks to win at home, betting a -270 money line is not a smart move. The Knicks are a mid-to-top-tier team in the East.
With the Raptors in the middle of the pack, the money line is far too expensive. It would have to be the best against the worst to consider something like this, and that situation is not this game.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to the KNICKS -6.5 (-107) as they have been a covering machine.
They’re 4-2 ATS and were among the top covering teams a season ago. Also, they’re playing a team that doesn’t match up well with them.
Walker will go going against a shorter PG in Fred VanVleet while Randle will get either Barnes or Anunoby, neither of which quite have the size to defend him.
With C Mitchell Robinson also having size on C Precious Achiuwa, I expect the Knicks to dominate the glass and also the scoreboard. The Knicks are 2-1 ATS at home.
Over/Under
BET OVER 210.5 (-115) as the best bet in this game. The Raptors would’ve hit this total in three of their last four games, three of which have been wins.
The Knicks would’ve hit a combined 211 in six of seven. It’s a low number as it adjusted as a result of fewer points being scored, partially due to the new rule permitting fewer foul calls on unnatural offensive movements.
The Knicks rank third in offensive rating. While the Raptors have a solid defense, slowing down Walker and Fournier is easier said than done, especially with Barnes and Anunoby their two top defenders.
Also, neither have the size to hang with Randle, so he should be able to have his way as well.
As for Toronto, it has the No. 7 defensive rating over its last four games. Barnes is averaging over 18 points per game and has hit over 20 his last two outings.
Combine a surging offense and one that’s consistently been solid this season, and we should see more than 210 points scored.
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