NBA Basketball
2012-01-02 - Toronto Raptors at New York Knicks
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Monday 2 January 2012 - Tip Off 7:30pm ET
12:30am (British Standard Time)
Preview
The New York Knicks (2-2) are still trying to find their way, but they are a much improved team after their fans have seen a decade of poor basketball and little chance of making the Play Offs. The Knicks still look a little short of the very best teams in the Eastern Conference, but they could be a very dangerous team in the Play Offs.
The big question today is whether Amare Stoudemire can return to the rotation after he was not available for the win over Sacramento in their last game. Stoudemire helps the offense as he opens up lanes for the other players on the court, but he is listed as day-to-day at the moment.
It may not matter at all if Stoudemire plays or not if the Knicks can run the offense as they did against the Kings when they put up 114 points. Mike D'Antoni has always run these quick strike offenses and he was very satisfied with their performance, one in which all the starters scored at least 14 points while the team had 26 assists.
New York should feel confident they can extend their winning run as they host the Toronto Raptors (1-3), a team against whom they averaged 114 points per game in 4 contests last season.
Toronto have lost 3 games in a row coming into this one, and all 3 losses have been close. Last night they were beaten by the Orlando Magic despite going into the final quarter with an 11 point lead. The Raptors were outscored by 17 points in the final quarter and it could be tough for this team to get up for this game after the body-blows they have taken.
The Raptors defense has started off better this season by holding teams to 96 points per game this season, a year after finishing 26th in scoring defense, but this could be the toughest test they have faced so far.
Head to Head
New York won all 4 games against Toronto last season, mixing a couple of close wins with a couple of blowouts. The Knicks finished 3-1 against the spread in those games.
The Knicks had lost 4 games in a row at home against the spread against the Raptors before a 13 point win in their last home game.
The road team is actually 8-2 against the spread in the last 10 games in the series.
New York are 1-3 against the spread this season, Toronto are 2-2.
Other Interesting Trends
New York have lost their last 4 games at home against the spread.
They are 6-1 against the spread in their last 7 games against a team with a losing record.
Toronto are 5-2 against the spread in their last 7 games played on back to back nights.
They are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games against a team with a winning record at home.
Prediction
I am going to back the New York Knicks to win this game and cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, I think the Knicks have the best offense out of the teams the Raptors have faced this season and I think they will smash 100 points against them.
Second, Toronto have to feel a little sick after losing their 2nd game in a row after leading going into the final quarter and they may struggle to emotionally match the Knicks who are coming home after a 3 game road trip.
Third, New York won all 4 games against the Raptors last season, blowing them out twice and this looks like a spot where they could do so again.
The Pick :
New York Knicks 106-94 Toronto Raptors
