Knicks vs Raptors Free Pick, NBA Free Pick & Predictions 1/28/25

J.A. Cavalier
6 days ago
2 min read

NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS

Knicks vs Raptors Free Pick

The New York Knicks head north of the border tonight for a divisional showdown against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena, and this matchup features two of the Eastern Conference’s hottest teams colliding at the right time. Toronto enters riding a four-game winning streak, while New York has won three straight, most recently delivering a convincing 103–87 victory over the Sacramento Kings just one night ago.

Toronto is listed as a slight home favorite, laying between 1.5 and 2 points, a reflection of both current form and situational dynamics. While the Knicks have been sharp defensively, they are playing on the second night of a back-to-back, a factor that often impacts shooting legs, transition defense, and overall efficiency—especially in road environments.

Analytically, this game profiles as a battle of structure rather than speed. Both teams rank among the league’s stronger defensive units, prioritizing halfcourt discipline and perimeter containment over pace. That sets up a chess match between two defense-first coaches, where adjustments, execution, and patience will matter more than raw scoring output.

With momentum on both sides and little margin for error, this contest is likely to be decided in the halfcourt. How well Toronto can leverage home court and fresh legs against a Knicks team grinding through a demanding schedule will ultimately determine who comes out on top in this tightly lined Eastern Conference clash.

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This game has defensive grind written all over it. Toronto’s entire identity is built on perimeter shutdown—they’re third in the NBA in three-point percentage allowed and second in non-corner three-point defense, which is a direct shot across the bow at a Knicks offense that lives off the gravity of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Those clean looks? Gone. Now layer in tempo, because the Raptors play slow on purpose—22nd in pace—they squeeze possessions like they’re rationing food, and that naturally chokes off scoring. The Knicks aren’t exactly loose either; they just held an opponent to 87 points, showing their defensive ceiling is legit, especially in these rock-fight environments. And with Toronto missing interior bodies like Jakob Poeltl, expect them to double down on perimeter containment, switching, loading up, and daring New York to beat them late in the clock. Public sees two hot teams and thinks points; sharps see pace suppression, elite three-point defense, and tired legs on a back-to-back.