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Scouting Report: Knicks Look to Build on DET Win vs Raps

Tonight's Matchup: New York Knicks (11-46) vs. Toronto Raptors (37-21)

Where: Madison Square Garden

TV: MSG Network (7:30 p.m.)

Knicks Report 

After a gritty, double-overtime victory last night in Detroit, the Knicks will have to bounce right back to face Toronto tonight. New York dug its way out of an 18-point first half deficit by turning up its defensive intensity and pulled out the win with incredible resolve and a handful of clutch shots down the stretch.

Two of the smallest players delivered the biggest plays: Langston Galloway buried the game-tying 3 from 25 feet out with 6.3 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime, and Shane Larkin's difficult floater sealed the win in double OT.

Larkin's effort -- he returned from illness that kept him out since the All-Star break to play 35 minutes and score 9 of his 16 points in the second overtime -- was one of many that propelled the Knicks to their first win without Carmelo Anthony in 17 tries this season.

Andrea Bargnani finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds (both season highs) and Lou Amundson (17 and 14) gave the Knicks 35 minutes of toughness in the paint to combat the Pistons' imposing front line of Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe. 

Raptors Report 

The Raptors played a much less taxing game last night -- a 24-point rout at the hands of Golden State. With the contest out of reach early, All-Star Kyle Lowry played only 18 minutes as Toronto matched its longest losing streak of the season with its fourth straight defeat.

After the game, starting center Jonas Valanciunas called the team's performance "soft." The Raptors are battling Chicago and Cleveland for the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference, but have struggled on the defensive end this season, ranking 18th in points allowed per 100 possessions. They do possess the NBA's third most efficient offense, and with Lowry (averaging 18 points and 7 assists) and DeMar DeRozan (17.9 points) leading the way, they'll be looking to get back on track.

Game Notes

With both teams playing on the second night of back-to-backs, fatigue could be a factor; five Knicks logged over 30 minutes in the hard-fought win, while Valanciunas led Toronto with 27...Jose Calderon (Achilles) did not dress in Detroit and is doubtful for tonight...Bargnani made his first start in over a year last night and Jason Smith came off the bench after starting the previous 18 games for the Knicks. Derek Fisher elected to start Galloway, Tim Hardaway Jr., Cleanthony Early, Bargnani and Amundson...The Knicks feature three former Raptors: Quincy Acy, Calderon and Bargnani.

UPDATE: Fisher said he'll go with the same starting lineup for the second consecutive night. Calderon (Achilles strain) will not dress tonight.