The New York Knicks (12–6) welcome the Toronto Raptors (14–6) to Madison Square Garden tonight in what feels like a temp check.
New York is riding a three-game winning streak, most recently handling the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night, 118–109. They’re rested and practically unbeatable at home (9–1 at the Garden, curse those Magic punks). Toronto, meanwhile, is playing the second night of a road back-to-back after an overtime collapse in Charlotte. The Raptors were a few possessions away from winning their 10th straight, but collapsed late. Scottie Barnes logged a 30-and-12 double-double in defeat.
Recent history favors New York, who have won five straight against Toronto, but these Canadians have more bite under head coach Darko Rajaković. They play genuine, top-three defense (111.9 opponent PPG), while holding teams to 31.8% from deep. That will be a real test for a Knicks offense that ranks fifth in scoring (120.7 PPG) and launches 15.3 threes a night.
This matchup is also a preview of their NBA Cup showdown on December 9. Sadly, tonight’s tilt will be missing a familiar face and secondary scoring option: OAKAAKUYOAK RJ Barrett is out with a right knee sprain.
Projected Starters (Raptors)
Expect a lot of scuffling on the glass. New York averages 45.7 boards (9th), Toronto 42.9. On the other end, the Knicks’ defense sits 14th (114 allowed) but remains atrocious against threes, giving up 15.2 makes per game (29th).
The Raptors play with pride, and, finally, Ingram looks like he actually wants to be in the game. His play, and good coaching, has changed their ceiling and placed them a surprising second in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto will bomb away from three, with dingers from Walter, Barnes, Quickley, a couple from Ingram, and a handful of splashes from Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jamal Shead (still love that kid) off the bench. Conversely, against stout perimeter protection, the Knicks will bumble into one of their classic 4-for-16-from-yard first halves. The home team will surge after halftime, as they’re wont to do, but even with last night’s extra cardio, travel, and an earlier call time, Toronto is wired to prove that they are no fluke. They’ll win the frontcourt, win the three-point battle, and finally win by three to snap New York’s streak.
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Place: Madison Square Garden, NYC
TV: MSG
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky