Raptors vs. Knicks Prediction, Picks for Saturday, Jan. 20
Here's everything you need to know about Raptors vs. Knicks on Saturday, Jan. 20 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.
The trade was three weeks ago, and the return is already here.
Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett return to Madison Square Garden tonight for the Toronto Raptors against OG Anunoby and the New York Knicks.
This one will admittedly be a difficult one to project, but so far the Knicks have went on a surge since the deal, whereas the Raptors have leveled off after a hot start. This won't be an easy one to project, but let's do our best.
Raptors vs. Knicks Prediction
Pick: Raptors +7.5
Raptors Betting Outlook
Raptors Betting Outlook
Since integrating Quickley and Barrett into the lineup beginning on January 1, the Raptors have gone 4-6, but have tailed off after a 3-1 stretch to begin their new era. Now, they don't have Pascal Siakam either, who they sent to the Indiana Pacers earlier this week in exchange for Bruce Brown and multiple first round picks.
So, what data do you go by? It's always evolving. What we know is that the Raptors are 2-4 on the road since the deal, beating only the Memphis Grizzlies — who actually had Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Smart healthy — and the Golden State Warriors, who were without Draymond Green.
This season the Raptors have been 10-10 against the spread, 14th in the league — the definition of average, which you'd probably sign for given the team's 16-26 overall record. As a road underdog, they've been 8-8-1, a 50% cover rate that's tied for 10th in the league with several other teams. However, that includes the Celtics and Bucks, both of whom are just 1-1, because they're rarely underdogs.
Both teams haven't played since Thursday, making this an equal rest game where the Raptors are 12-10 ATS, 12th in the league.
On the injury front, the 'Raps are expected to be without Jakob Poeltl (ankle) and Otto Porter (doubtful, knee).
Knicks Betting Outlook
Knicks Betting Outlook
The Knicks — 8-2 since adding Anunoby — have been great at home this season, though they've only covered in one of their last three games, Wednesday against the Houston Rockets.
On Thursday, they beat the Washington Wizards, but didn't cover the hefty double-digit spread, winning 113-109. On Monday, they took an L to the Orlando Magic, 98-94. Jalen Brunson missed that game, though he has since returned, but the Magic were also a Franz Wagner short in the victory.
The Knicks are liked by some of the ATS numbers, as referred to earlier this week.
The Knicks are third in the NBA with equal rest, 13-7-2 with a 65% cover rate, only trailing Orlando and Philly. As a home favorite, they're 8-6 with a 57.1% cover for 11th in the NBA. As the home team, in general, they're 10-7-1, covering 58.8% of the time, also 11th in the league.
On the injury front, Josh Hart missed Thursday with a knee injury and is questionable to play Saturday.
Raptors vs. Knicks Picks, Odds
| Raptors Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -110 | 229 -110o / -110u | +235 |
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -110 | 229 -110o / -110u | -290 |
Of note, the Knicks go under in 64.3% of games where they're the home favorite — third in the NBA behind the Pistons and Grizzlies — going over in just 5-of-14. But conversely, the Raptors have gone over in 11-of-17 in road games, over in 64.7% of games, which is sixth in the NBA. As a result, we're staying away from over/unders and picking a side.
The side? I like the Raptors to cover and bet it at +7.5 on Friday night. My limit is probably at 6.5.
Save for January 12 against the Jazz, these Raptors road losses are close since the Anunoby deal. They lost to the Kings by five, the Lakers by one and the Clippers by six. They've been a decent cover as a road dog, and I love riding the emotion of Quickley and Barrett in this spot to a cover. I even think the Raptors winning straight up at +235 isn't unreasonable, but that'd be no more than a light sprinkle for me.
The Knicks should win, but it feels like a clutch game.
Pick: Raptors +7.5
