Knicks vs Raptors Free Pick, NBA Free Picks, NBA Predictions 12/9/25
- J.A. Cavalier
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
NEW YORK @ TORONTO (NYK -5.5, 226.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
KNICKS @ RAPTORS 12/9/25
If the visiting New York Knicks continue to dominate the Toronto Raptors, they will be able to move on to the East semifinals of the NBA Cup. As they head into their NBA Cup quarterfinal in Canada, the Knicks have defeated the Raptors nine times in a row. This includes the clubs' lone encounter this season, a 116-94 triumph at home on November 30.
However, the Raptors have benefited from the NBA Cup. They earned home-court advantage by finishing first in East Group A with a 4-0 record. The Knicks finished first in East Group C with a 3-1 record.
Recently, the teams have been headed in different directions. The Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic 106-100 at home on Sunday, their seventh straight victory. After losing to the Boston Celtics 121-113 on Sunday, Toronto has now lost five of six games and three in a row. During their five-game homestand, the Raptors went 1-3. They did rally from a 23-point deficit to take a short lead in the fourth quarter against Boston. Before mounting that comeback, Toronto was behind 77-59 at the half against Boston and 23 points in the third quarter.
The Raptors haven’t beaten the Knicks since January 22, 2023. Boston's first-half total of 77 points versus Toronto was the highest since the Memphis Grizzlies' 78 points on December 26, 2024.
"They were not the same guys, the energy was different (in the second half)," stated Darko Rajakovic, the coach of the Raptors. "The urgency was distinct. In the second half, a few additional guys came over and assisted us. I'm asking the entire team to play with greater intensity and tenacity because, when we perform like we did in the second half, we become a totally different team and are capable of competing against any team in this league. All we need to do is do that for forty-eight minutes. One half isn't enough."
Against Toronto, Boston made 20 three-pointers, the most of any opponent this season. After a 7-point performance on Friday, Brandon Ingram bounced back to lead the Raptors with 30 points against Boston. Scottie Barnes had 18 points and 11 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley, a former Knick, scored 31 points in Friday's loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
Due to a sprained right knee, RJ Barrett, another former Knick, is projected to be out for at least another week for the Raptors.
Injuries are also an issue for the Knicks. Karl-Anthony Towns is listed as day-to-day after missing Sunday's game due to stiffness in his left calf. Due to a left ankle injury that necessitated a walking boot and an MRI, Miles McBride left the game in the third quarter.
After missing nine games due to a strained hamstring, former Raptor OG Anunoby returned to the Knicks. On Sunday, he scored 21 points, pulled down seven rebounds, and committed three steals. On December 30, 2023, Barrett and Quickley were traded for Anunoby.
With six points, seven rebounds, three blocks, and one steal, Ariel Hukporti was a defensive powerhouse who played a season-high 22:41.
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FREE PICK
GAME TOTAL UNDER 226.5
The Knicks have one of the better offenses in the league, but they play at one of the slowest paces. New York ranks 26th in terms of pace. The Raptors have been in a slump recently, losing three straight and 5 of their last 6. In their last three games, Toronto has averaged just 107.5 ppg. RJ Barrett, the team’s third-leading scorer, is out for the Raptors. Both teams rank in the upper half of the league in defensive rating, too. Looking at trends, the Under is 8-4 in Toronto’s last 12 games and 6-2 in the Knicks last eight. These two played once before this season and that game total was 229.5. Tonight’s total opened at 236.5 and is down 10 points.
