Game Thread: Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks

The Toronto Raptors have had nearly 48 hours to shake off their last-second loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hopefully it’s fully in the rearview because they’re about to welcome the New York Knicks to Scotiabank Arena.

The Raptors have won nine “home games” in a row against the Knicks, including last year in Tampa, but to continue that streak they’ll have to do it without Precious Achiuwa. Achiuwa will miss his second straight game without shoulder tendinitis — meaning the Raptors will be undersized again.

Chris Boucher will get the start tonight, and he filled in solidly on Wednesday, notching 11 points and seven boards in 22 minutes — but he also didn’t get the nod down the stretch as Nick Nurse opted to finish the game with Justin Champagnie. The Raptors will need just a little more from Boucher tonight to keep pace with the Knicks.

New York is at full strength and are looking to get back to consistency. With two teams looking to break away from the crowded Eastern Conference and go on a run, it should be a good one tonight! Let’s watch:

Where to Watch:

TSN, 7:30 p.m.

Lineups:

Toronto — Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, Chris Boucher

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

Injuries:

Toronto — Precious Achiuwa (ut), Khem Birch (Out), OG Anunoby (Out), Goran Dragic (personal – out)

New York — Nerlens Noel (Day-to-day)