Game Thread: Toronto Raptors at New York Knicks

Winners of three straight, the Raptors get a good test tonight against the 5-1 Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

The arena has been the site of some excellent basketball this season — but maybe even more fun than watching Julius Randle re-bottle the essence of Zach Randolph has been the MSG fans. There’s been viral videos, Ben Simmons chants, and the general New York crowd buzz and arena lighting that’s become so enviable seeing the rest of the league’s cookie-cutter game ops experience. When the Knicks are good, there’s a side of the NBA fanbase that we don’t get to see come out. It’s fun!

Players know the stage too, and the Raptors have had some great moments at MSG. Today, the big question was whether Scottie Barnes would be able to go after hurting his right thumb in Saturday’s matchup with the Pacers. The verdict? He will not play.

Barnes was out before the game working out without a splint or tape on the thumb, so take from that what you will. In any case, it doesn’t seem like an injury that will hold the rookie out long.

For the Knicks, Nerlens Noel will not play after being designated a game-time decision with a calf injury.

Here are the rest of the game details. Now, let’s watch.

Where to Watch:

TSN, 7:30PM EST

Lineups:

Toronto — Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., Svi Mykhailiuk, OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa

New York — Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson

Injuries:

Toronto — Scottie Barnes (thumb – out), Pascal Siakam (shoulder – out), Yuta Watanabe (calf – out)

New York — Nerlens Noel (calf – out)