Game Preview
Monday night's clash between the New York Knicks and the Toronto Raptors promises to be a tale of contrasting fortunes. The Knicks, riding a three-game winning streak, have been soaring with a 64.3% win rate on the season. Their high-powered offense is averaging a scorching 124.5 points while locking down defensively, allowing just 109.4 points per contest.
Over their last five games, the Knicks have been even more dominant, posting a 129.6-point scoring average while tightening the defensive screws to concede a mere 101.4 points. Their shooting has been on point, with a 47.3% field goal percentage and a blistering 39% from beyond the arc. The rebounding battle has tilted heavily in their favor, grabbing nearly 53 boards while dishing out a crisp 33.8 assists per game.
In stark contrast, the Raptors have been mired in a six-game skid, emblematic of their dismal 25% win rate this season. Despite averaging 117 points, their defensive struggles have allowed opponents to match that output, surrendering 116.7 points per game. Even their recent scoring surge to 139.6 points over the last five games has been negated by porous defense, resulting in five straight losses.
While the Raptors have shown flashes of brilliance, shooting 44.6% from the field and dishing out 36.8 assists in their last five, their inability to get stops has proven costly. The Knicks, surging with confidence and a balanced inside-outside attack, seem poised to extend their winning ways against the reeling Raptors on Monday night.