2019 Las Vegas Summer League - New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors: Odds, Predictions and How to Watch

What: New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors

Where: Thomas and Mack Center/Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, NV

When: Tuesday, July 9th at 9:30 PM EST

How (TV): NBA TV

New York Knicks (Away)

Head Coach: Jud Buechler

Tournament Record: 0-2

Projected Starting Five: (G) Kadeem Allen – (G) RJ Barrett – (F) Ignas Brazdeikis – (F) Kevin Knox – (C) Mitchell Robinson

Last Game against PHX

Top Performers:

• F Ignas Brazdeikis – 30 PTS | 8 REB | 11-19 FG
• C Mitchell Robinson – 17 PTS | 9 REB | 2 BLK
• G Kadeem Allen – 13 PTS | 6 AST | 3 REB

The New York Knicks are fielding a starting five that is expected to play a big role in their regular season this coming year. Both 2019 draft picks (Barrett and Brazdeikis), two incoming sophomores (Robinson and Knox), as well as a prospective point guard option in Kadeem Allen round out their starting five.

Their last game against the Phoenix Suns was a nail-biter. While they were able to keep pace with the energetic Suns, the Knicks failed to perform in clutch moments which cost them the game.

New York will hope to build off of the strong play of sophomores Knox, Robinson, and Allen while inspiring another breakout performance from rookie Canadian Ignas Brazdeikis.

Toronto Raptors (Home)

Head Coach: Jon Goodwillie

Tournament Record: 0-2

Projected Starting Five: (G) Jordan Loyd – (G) Corey Walden – (F) Malcolm Miller – (F) Chris Boucher – (C) Dewan Hernandez

Last Game against SAS

Top Performers:

• G Jordan Loyd – 27 PTS | 7 AST | 6 STL
• F Chris Boucher – 24 PTS | 12 REB | 1 BLK
• G Matt Morgan – 11 PTS | 4 REB | 2 AST

The Toronto Raptors played three of the four quarters against the San Antonio Spurs terribly. Each player was self-indulgent to a fault, while the Spurs capitalized with patented team play.

It wasn’t until head coach Jon Goodwillie implemented a 3-2 zone in the fourth quarter that they were able to tear down the 26-point lead of the Spurs and win the fourth 31 to 10. It stifled the passing of the Spurs, and exposed their lack of individual talent.

The Raptors have a veteran Summer League squad available compared to the Knicks. With Jordan Loyd, Malcolm Miller, and Chris Boucher leading their side, they have multiple years of NBA and G-League experience available to them. If they can stifle their ego, they should be able to handle the Knicks.

What’s At Stake?

It is currently round-robin play, as teams are defining their positions in the later tournament with their current games.

The New York Knicks are 0-2 and look to climb out of the last place in the table with a win.

The Toronto Raptors are also 0-2 and want to be looking down at the Knicks in the standings after the evening is through.

RJ Barrett Needs to Get Going

? RJ BARRETT GETS THE ACTION STARTED WITH A BANG! ?@nyknicks/@Suns on ESPN pic.twitter.com/7MjEW7sYef

— NBA (@NBA) July 8, 2019

In two games RJ Barrett has shown himself to be rather uninspired. Not for lack of effort, but Barrett hasn’t had the effect needed to bring promise to the onlooking Knicks fans. Coach Jud Buechler has him playing at point-forward, but he has failed to make a big enough impact.

While Barrett was successful in college running the point, many would think the options he has on the court now would inspire better play. Rather than his playmaking being off, he has been indecisive when looking for his own shot.

With knock-down shooters in Knox and Brazdeikis and a threat rolling to the basket in Robinson, Barrett should be doing better with the assets at his disposal. He’ll have an even more difficult time against the lengthy frontline of Boucher and Hernandez on Toronto, while also contesting with capable defensive wings in Loyd and Miller.

The Toronto Raptors Need to Play Together

24 PTS | 12 REB

2019 #GLeagueMVP & DPOY @ChrisBoucher brought his A-game on Monday night ?@OregonMBB ?? @Raptors905 ?? @Raptors pic.twitter.com/mF2mEg9yAR

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) July 9, 2019

It is a hard request in the NBA Summer League. The majority of players are lacking a guaranteed contract, so every shot is taken into account for their own job security. Despite that, three quarters of hero-ball almost allowed a blowout of epic proportions against the Spurs.

Look no further than Chris Boucher, who was 2019 G-League MVP and Defensive Player of the year – feat accomplished only by him. In the first half he was too trigger-happy, resulting in a 2-9 shooting night from three. But a willingness to run the floor late and fight on the glass helped even his shooting to a decent 7-17 night.

There is a clear separation between the Raptors’ key players and those fighting for relevance. Miller, Boucher, and Loyd are NBA Champions at this point, but they will need to use their leadership to bring the team together rather than star on their own if they hope to defeat the upstart Knicks.

New York Knicks Roster Notes

The New York Knicks have no roster changes of note.

Toronto Raptors Roster Notes

C Sagaba Konate – OUT (Knee) – after struggling with a recurring knee issue, Konate is training with the team but will not be included in any LVSL matches.

G Terrence Davis – OUT (Unknown) – after appearing for the Denver Nuggets in the LVSL, Davis signed a two-year contract with the Toronto Raptors. It is unknown if he will suit up for their side.

X-Factors: Ignas Brazdeikis (NYK) vs Jordan Loyd (TOR)

The Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks have relied on two individually talented scoring threats to carry them in their last game. Despite being a rookie, Brazdeikis has shown himself to be cool under pressure. On the other end, a full season as a two-way player has developed Loyd into a capable individual threat.

Ignas Brazdeikis

Small Forward | 6-7, 215lb (201cm, 97kg) | Michigan | Rookie

Ignas Brazdeikis went off in the NBA Summer League for the Knicks:

30 points
11-19 FG
3-5 3PT FG
8 rebounds
2 assists pic.twitter.com/lxn8ZGwqTy

— Michigan in the NBA (@NBAMichigan) July 8, 2019

Brazdeikis was the fuel for the vehicle that was the New York Knicks in their last match against the Phoenix Suns. While star rookie and fellow Canadian RJ Barrett failed to impress, Brazdeikis capitalized on his opportunity.

Iggy was brilliant in 32 minutes of play. He scored 30 points, 8 rebounds, and shot 11-19 from the field and 3-6 from three. While his play wasn’t more diverse than open threes and straight-line drives, his confidence boosted his play.

Brazdeikis will be going up against a much more talented wing lineup on the Toronto Raptors. Malcolm Miller is a proven three-and-D player while Boucher and Hernandez are unlikely to award him at the rim with their tenacity defending it.

Jordan Loyd

Point Guard | 6-4, 210lb (193cm, 95kg) | Indianapolis | Exp. 1 Years

27 PTS | 7 AST | 6 STL#GLeagueAlum Jordan Loyd (@mrjloyd) flashed his two-way skills with an impressive peformance on both sides of the ball ??@UIndyMBB ?? @Raptors905 ?? @Raptors pic.twitter.com/HnA2FEWoFu

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) July 9, 2019

Last season Jordan Loyd was second only to teammate Chris Boucher in the running for G-League MVP. He proved himself to be a dynamic point guard with the ability to score inside and out. While playmaking is not his forte, that’s not what was needed of him in his last match agains the Spurs.

After going down 26 points in the third quarter, Loyd’s offense is what helped the Raptors bring the game to within three by the end. He had 27 points, 7 assists, and an amazing 6 steals on the night. He couldn’t be stopped late and his ability in the passing lanes is what keyed the Raptors run.

With three seconds left in the match, the play was drawn for Loyd to come off the screen and nail a three to tie the game. While he missed the shot, he was the leader that helped the Raptors do everything right to not be blown out by the Spurs. He will surely carry that momentum into his next game against the Knicks.

New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors Predictions and Odds

If you are in New Jersey you can bet on the NBA Summer League games with BetStars. Here are the latest odds for Knicks vs Raptors. Good luck!

Point Spread

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Money Line

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