A desperate New York Knicks team heads out to Toronto to take on the Raptors for a last shot at a playoff berth on Friday. Can Carmelo Anthony and company finally win this season against the soon-to-be Atlantic Division champions? Or will the Raps make it a perfect 3-0 SU against the Knicks?
[sc:NBAArticles ]New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Preview
When: Friday, April 11, 2014, 7:00 PM EST
Where: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Canada
Line: New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors – view these lines
Betting on the New York Knicks
[sc:NBA240banner ]Following their loss to the Miami Heat on Sunday, the New York Knicks are now one game away from playoff elimination. In their last three games, the team has been led by JR Smith, who’s made 40 three-pointers and is averaging 29.3 PPG and 5.3 RPG. However, his co-pilot, Carmelo Anthony has been bothered by a bum shoulder and it’s affecting his play – 15.3 PPG on 36.2 FG% in April.
The Knicks have yet to beat the Raptors this season because of the latter’s defense. The Raptors are allowing the Knicks just 91.5 PPG, which is a far cry from their 98.4 PPG average. Coach Mike Woodson’s club is also turning the ball over more against the Raps than they usually do (15.5 vs. 13.0).
New York is 7-3 SU in its last 10 road games and are just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 vs. Toronto.
Betting on the Toronto Raptors
Dwayne Casey’s team has won seven of its last eight games. During that span, their offensive rating has gone three points higher than their average (108.7 vs. 105.7) thanks to All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who as of late is averaging 21.7 PPG and 4.9 APG.
Toronto also wins games by their defense. They’re ranked seventh in the NBA by allowing just 97.6 PPG, while letting the opposition make only 45% of their shots.
Although the Raptors are 8-2 SU, they are only 5-5 ATS. Nevertheless, Toronto’s upcoming opponent resides in the Atlantic Division, and the Raps have gone 7-3 ATS against their last 10 intradivision opponents. Moreover, DeRozan and company have lost only five of their last 20 home games.
Prediction
Toronto will win straight up, cover the spread, and finally put the nail in the coffin of New York’s playoff hopes.
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