With NBA Cup knockout stage matchups taking place throughout the course of the week, Monday's basketball schedule is down to just a single game with the Toronto Raptors hosting the visiting New York Knicks, and oddsmakers have the Knicks as the eight-point betting favorites on the road.
Here's a spread, moneyline, total, and player prop expert pick for this Atlantic Division matchup at Scotiabank Arena on December 9, 2024.
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Odds
Preview: New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors, 7:30 p.m. ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | -8 (-108) | -320 | O 232.5 (-110) |
| Toronto Raptors | +8 (-112) | +260 | U 232.5 (-110) |
Odds as of December 9, 2024 at FanDuel
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors Expert Picks
Toronto Raptors ATS +8 (-112), New York Knicks ML (-320)
This feels like a fairly one-sided meeting on paper, what with the Knicks being 7.5 games ahead in the win-loss column with a 14-9 record SU compared to the Raptors who are 7-17 SU and tied for the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference. However, as we've seen as of late with Toronto competing on its home floor, a successful cover on a six-point spread, even against New York's top-ranked offense, is absolutely on the table.
The Raptors have a 9-3 record covering the spread north of the border, with five covers in their last six attempts. Two of those covers have come against other elite offenses like the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat, and while the Knicks are superior to both of them in that regard, it goes to show how Toronto can at least hang on the scoreboard and keep things close.
New York is only 5-7 ATS away from Madison Square Garden, with just a single cover in its last four tries. Now the Knicks did go a flawless 4-0 SU and ATS last season versus the Raptors, but both rosters have undergone significant changes since then, so it's difficult to put to much stock into those results.
With that being said, it's hard to imagine New York dropping this game outright, as its lost consecutive games only once this season and just fell to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. An eight-point spread leaves little room for error, but expect Toronto to be competitive albeit in what should still be a losing effort.
OVER 232.5 Total Points (-110)
The Raptors haven't strung together consecutive OVER results at home in their last seven tries, but this matchup with New York will likely need to be a back-and-forth scoring affair with fast breaks and quick buckets to stay close.
That leads me to believe an OVER will hit on Monday, and the Knicks are one of the better teams in that regard with a 14-9 record in the total market.
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors Player Props
O.G. Anunoby OVER 2.5 Made 3-Pointers (+108)
Toronto has notoriously struggled defending the corners from 3-point marksman, and that's how O.G. Anunoby buttered his bread during his seven-year stint with the franchise. There's something about being familiar with the rims and returning to a former home which can light up a player's offense, and Monday marks Anunoby's first time seeing the Raptors on the hardwood since being traded, as he was sidelined with an injury the first opportunity which came by.
Anunoby shoots 45.8 percent on the road from behind the arc, and surely head coach Tom Thibodeau will want him to have a standout performance in front of his former fans. There's value to be had here at plus money considering the circumstances.
Gradey Dick OVER 2.5 Made 3-Pointers (+102)
Surprisingly, despite having a slew of elite perimeter defenders at their disposal, the Knicks somehow rank dead last across the Association in opponent's 3-pointers made (16.3) and efficiency (39.9 percent) when competing on the road.
In the case of Gradey Dick, the sophomore wing has nailed nine outside shots on 23 attempts in his two games since returning to the lineup from injury. He needs to drill just three against the Knicks on Monday, which he's done in four of his last five games.
New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Trends
- Ja'Kobe Walter has failed to exceed 0.5 blocks in eight of his last nine games (0.1 blocks/game average).
- Scottie Barnes has exceeded 1.5 3-pointers in five-straight games at home (2.4 3-pointers/game average).
- Mikal Bridges has failed to exceed 7.5 rebounds + assists in five of his last six games vs. top-10 defenses for rebounds allowed (6.2 rebounds + assists/game average).
*all betting trends courtesy of Outlier
