Watch to watch for against the Raptors

Tough sell on the Raptors. They are a top eastern team and this is a statement game for both teams and the one you should circle on your calendar. Toronto on the road has been good and the Knicks are shaky playing in conference games and as the underdog.

The Raptors outclass the Knicks in nearly every offensive statistical category and play a deep line up of almost 10 men, seriously that’s crazy. But the Knicks average more assists, weird… Either way they have multiple reasons to bring it against the Raptors.

The Knicks offense needs to be particularly sharp in this game as the Raptors have picked up their defense in February giving up 99 pts per 100 possessions on the road while scoring 114. They had a hot January and are looking for it to continue. Let’s just say the more Knicks players that break or approach 20 points the better. Neither Melo or Porzingis played the last time they faced each other so it’s very possible.

The Knicks need to create offensive opportunities either on the boards or with steals. This game will be determined with how well the Knicks manage the glass and steals. This serves two purposes: The Knicks get extra chances to score easy points and solve their defensive problems against the Raptors who have outscored or matched the Knicks in 5 of the 8 quarters they have played this season.

The Knicks handed the Raptors their first home loss in November, back then Toronto’s 23.5 percent from 3-point land compared to New York’s 47.8 percent conversion rate helped make the difference but the Knicks still needed a late game foul by Lowry to squeak by. This win is possible.