Matt Tierney - Raptors.com
Time: (7:30PM ET - SNET1, TSN1050)
The Raptors (5-2) return home to face the New York Knicks (3-4) after finishing their four-game road trip at 2-2. Following encouraging wins over Dallas and Oklahoma City early last week, the Raps dropped the final two games of their road trip in Florida to the Magic and the Heat. The Knicks have started their season positively with road wins over Washington and Milwaukee which puts them in second place behind Toronto in the Atlantic Division standings.
WHO’S HOT?
Kristaps Porzingis – It’s not always easy getting selected by the Knicks on Draft Night. The crowd in New York doesn’t always give their draftees the warmest of receptions. No. 4 overall pick, Kristaps Porzingis experienced it this past draft. Coming over from Europe, he was largely unknown to the North American basketball fan. Feelings have changed and, to start the season, Porzingis has been a breath of fresh air for the Knicks. The rookie has recorded three double-doubles in New York’s first seven games and has provided length and athleticism on both ends of the floor.
Jonas Valanciunas – It was hard to find many highlights after Sunday’s 20-point loss in Miami, but the continued quality play of Jonas Valanciunas was one of them. After another strong outing in Orlando, JV looked locked in offensively for the first half against Miami and finished the game as the leading scorer with 17 points. When given the opportunities, Valanciunas makes the most of them as he sits sixth in the NBA in FG% and leads the Raptors once again in rebounds. He will look to stay aggressive offensively tonight versus Robin Lopez and the New York Knicks.
HOME COOKIN'
Despite the manner of defeat against Orlando and Miami, Toronto can be encouraged by their 5-2 start to the season. The Raps were handed a difficult schedule in the early months having to play 13 of their first 19 games away from Air Canada Centre.
Those six home games then become very important and after winning their first two against the Pacers and Bucks, the Raptors will look to capitalize on the next two in Toronto before embarking on another West Coast road trip.
It starts tonight against a divisional opponent in the Knicks who are playing encouraging basketball to start their season. New York struggled last year finishing with a record of 17-65 placing them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Phil Jackson and Knicks management made significant changes in the offseason and have surrounded Carmelo Anthony with a host of new teammates.
No matter what point it is in the season, home games are important, especially against teams in your conference, and Toronto will be hoping to create some separation between themselves and the others on their side of the board.
NEXT MAN UP
Coach Dwane Casey has been a long-time proponent of everyone on his team having a role and being ready to be called upon when the team is in need.
James Johnson was thrust into the starting lineup on Sunday after new Raptor DeMarre Carroll was unavailable to play as he deals with a sore left foot. Until that point, Johnson had played a total of 13 minutes, but was asked to fill Carroll’s role and contribute right away on both ends of the floor.
Depending on how long DC is out for, others will need to do the same as Toronto will miss the spacing Carroll provides on offence with his ability to shoot the three as well as the responsibility of guarding the other team’s best player.
After a difficult shooting night for both Terrence Ross and Patrick Patterson against the Heat, the Raps will be looking for them to bounce back quickly and provide the team with a much-needed scoring boost off the bench.