So, who are the Raptors? Are they a young team with athleticism but little offensive talent, aiming most likely at a high draft pick? Or are they a defensive juggernaut with eyes on a real playoff berth?
Through seven games, it seems something like the latter. Especially when you consider that Toronto’s losses to the Washington Wizards to open the season and the Chicago Bulls a scooch later seemed like they were both to mid teams at the time — but now both are at 5-1 with the tied-best records in the league.
Well now the Raptors are about to face another 5-1 team, the New York Bing Bo — err, the New York Knicks. I’m sorry, but I can’t take any team seriously when their cool new nickname is based on a Disney character’s imaginary childhood friend.
Regardless, the Knicks are good. Last year, Toronto went 1-2 against the Knicks but were held below 45 percent shooting from the field in all three games. The Knicks have built a marvelous defense, with Canadian RJ Barrett the tip of the spear on that end as a huge, strong wing who can switch across the positional spectrum. Their only issue last year was the offense, as they were the 24th-ranked halfcourt offense in the league, per Cleaning the Glass. Well, now they’re the top-ranked offense, behind the additions of sharpshooters Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker. New York’s defense has actually fallen to below average this season, although you’ve got to believe they’ll rebound on that end. There are too many good defenders to believe otherwise.
So who is Toronto? A game against the Knicks will be another huge jump towards learning the answer.
Game Info
Tip-off: 7:30pm EDT | TV: TSN| Radio: TSN 1050
The Lineup
Raptors’ Lineups
Scottie Barnes (thumb sprain) is doubtful. Yuta Watanabe (calf) is definitely out. Pascal Siakam (shoulder) is traveling with the team, but don’t expect him back yet. Consider him out.
PG: Fred VanVleet, Dalano Banton, Goran Dragic, Malachi Flynn
SG: Gary Trent Jr, Svi Mykhailiuk, David Johnson
SF: OG Anunoby, Sam Dekker, Justin Champagnie
PF: Chris Boucher, Isaac Bonga
C: Precious Achiuwa, Khem Birch
Knicks’ Lineups
Nerlens Noel is questionable, but otherwise the Knicks are healthy.
PG: Kemba Walker, Derrick Rose, Miles McBride
SG: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes
SF: Evan Fournier, Alec Burks, Kevin Knox, Wayne Seldon
PF: Julius Randle, Obi Toppin
C: Mitchell Robinson, Taj Gibson
