Toronto Raptors: 3 Keys to Beating the Knicks

As the Toronto Raptors prepare to take on the New York Knicks, we look at three factors which could decide the outcome at the Air Canada Centre.

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The Toronto Raptors are in the ascendancy right now. They currently sit second in the Eastern Conference, just 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers and four ahead of the third place Atlanta Hawks.

In theory, a visit from the New York Knicks should foster little concern. However, Derk Fisher‘s men are much improved, having already won five more games than all of last season.

This will be the second game between the two sides this season, with New York winning the first encounter, which also took place at the ACC. We look at three keys which will help determine if Toronto can gain some measure of revenge.

1) Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony missed the Knicks last game, an overtime loss to the Oklahoma Thunder, due to a sore left knee. He has been listed as questionable, although he did travel with the team to Toronto.

The Raptors will be hoping the nine-time All-Star doesn’t play on Thursday. He has been money against them throughout his NBA career, averaging 25 points per game.

As if to illustrate this point, Anthony was the driving force behind New York’s 111-109 victory earlier this season. The 2003 third overall draft pick finished the night with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

2) Kyle Lowry

Before Kyle Lowry can even become a factor, the Raptors have to decide whether to actually let him on the court against the Knicks. While X-rays on his left wrist injury came back negative, he has still been listed as questionable for Thursday’s game.

Dec 21, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles the ball as New York Knicks guard Jose Calderon (3) defends at the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 118-108. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Certainly, if the 2016 All-Star starter does play, he will have a decided advantage over Jose Calderon. At 34-year’s old, the former Raptors fan favorite is no match for Lowry.

Obviously, Toronto want their best player on the floor, but will be conscious of any long-term issues. If Lowry sits, the Raptors will be in the capable hands of Cory Joseph, who has averaged 8.4 points and three assists off the bench this season.

3) Chasing history

The Raptors have reached some heady heights in recent times. For two straight campaigns, they have set new team records for regular season wins (48 and then 49).

Now, they stand one win away from setting a new franchise mark of 10 consecutive victories. They currently share the record of nine, with the 2001-02 team.

The question is, will Toronto embrace the chance at history, or feel the pressure? The makeup of this roster seems to favor the former, but their mentality will go a long way towards deciding if they can beat New York.

Next: Trading for David Lee makes no sense 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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