The Toronto Raptors appear to be doing just fine without Kyle Lowry. The Raptors have been playing without their All-Star point guard for the past two games, and they’ve come away with two wins over the Boston Celtics (107-97) on Friday and the Portland Trail Blazers (112-106) last night. The Raptors have now won three games in a row – all at home.
DeMar DeRozan has been simply outstanding in Lowry’s absence. After dropping a career-high 43 points against the Celts, the Raps’ other All-Star went for 33 points against the Blazers. Meanwhile, Serge Ibaka added 18 points and 10 rebounds for his first double-double as a Raptor.
DeRozan has been a major reason why the Raps are currently 2-0 against the Knicks this season. He’s averaging 28 points, 6 boards, and 4.5 assists in those two games. Norman Powell has also been a Knicks killer, averaging 20 points against them.
The Raps haven’t been a very good road team, though. They’re just 3-11 (5-9 against the spread) in their last 14 games away from the Air Canada Centre.
Carmelo Anthony came to the rescue for the Knicks once again as he knocked down the game-winning shot in their 110-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. It was a much-needed win for the Knicks, who had gone just 1-6 in their previous seven games.
With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined due to a sprained ankle, Melo went to work with a team-high 37 points. Derrick Rose added 18. Porzingis is expected to miss out once again, so Melo will once again have to carry the Knicks offense, which began running more Triangle against the Sixers.
The Knicks need to provide Anthony with more support while Porzingis is out, but they just haven’t had any consistent source of offense outside of those two and D-Rose. The Knicks also played their most recent game against the Raptors without Porzingis, and they were blown out 116-101. That game was over by the third quarter, when the Knicks embarrassingly scored just 8 points.
The Knicks have not been able to enjoy any home-court advantage at Madison Square Garden in recent months. They’re just 4-10 (5-9 ATS) in their last 14 home games since the start of 2017.
Writer’s Prediction
The Raptors (-3.5) make it a trio of wins without Lowry as they top the Knicks at MSG, 107-100.
