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Toronto Raptors: 3 Keys to Beating the New York Knicks

By Paul Taylor

Jan 28, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) looks to make a pass between New York Knicks guard Sasha Vujacic (18) and forward Lou Amundson (17) during the second half of the Raptors 103-93 win at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) looks to make a pass between New York Knicks guard Sasha Vujacic (18) and forward Lou Amundson (17) during the second half of the Raptors 103-93 win at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Toronto Raptors prepare to take on the New York Knicks, we look at three factors which could decide the outcome at Madison Square Garden.

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Toronto Raptors fans can now breathe a huge sigh of relief, after DeMar DeRozan and company beat the Memphis Grizzlies. The 98-85 win got the team back on track, after losing two straight.

In the process, the Raptors can now get back to the important business of looking to solidify their position as the number two seed in the Eastern Conference. Next up is a trip to Madison Square Garden, to face the New York Knicks.

This will be the third of four meetings between the sides this season, with both teams winning one apiece so far. We look at three keys which will help determine if Toronto can take the lead in the season series.

1) Kristaps Porzingis

While not an unknown quantity, Kristaps Porzingis has the potential to be the X-factor against the Raptors. The power forward has enjoyed an excellent first season in the NBA.

The 20-year old is currently third on the team in points, and second in rebounds. He enjoys driving to the basket, has good range and is extremely physical.

Porzingis had eight points and six boards in his previous appearance against Toronto, but that was early on in the season, when he was still acclimatizing to the league. Luis Scola will be the man tasked with trying to slow down the Latvian native.

2) Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony missed the last game between the two sides. However, he is expected to be available for this one, which could spell bad news for the Raptors.

Toronto Raptors
Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after a three point shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The nine-time All-Star always seems to play well against Toronto, having averaged 25 points against them throughout his career. As if to illustrate this, he was the main reason the Knicks beat the Raptors earlier this season, with a stat line of 25 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

One thing which might benefit Dwane Casey’s men, is the sore left knee which held Anthony out of the last meeting. He has been complaining about knee soreness again recently, and the medical staff are keeping a close eye on him.

3) War of attrition

Adding an interesting aspect to this encounter, is the possibility of fatigue for the Raptors, who will be playing the second of a back-to-back. Toronto are 5-5 so far this season in such games.

Furthermore, they will be playing on the road against a Knicks team, which has had an extra day to rest. However, it’s worth noting the Raptors are 5-3 away from home, in the second of back-to-backs.

In truth, despite the two recent losses, Toronto have been decent on their travels this season, with a record of 17-12. In some respects, this will be a war of attrition, but they have already shown their ability to deal with similar circumstances.

Next: Potential buyout targets for the Raptors

What do you expect from the Raptors against the Knicks? Let us know in the comments section below.

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