Eastern Conference Showdown: Knicks vs Raptors Battle Amid Injury Concerns
The New York Knicks travel to Toronto on January 28, 2026, for a pivotal Eastern Conference clash against the Raptors. The Knicks arrive near the top of the conference standings, while the Raptors are fighting to stabilize their season and remain in playoff contention. This matchup carries significant weight for both franchises as they navigate the challenges of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Recent History Heavily Favors New York
Recent meetings between these teams have been decidedly one-sided. From 2023 through the current season, the Knicks have dominated the Raptors with a perfect 10-0 record. This includes a convincing 117-101 victory in Toronto on December 9, 2025, where Jalen Brunson exploded for 35 points. New York has consistently scored over 120 points in these contests, while Toronto has struggled to contain Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, particularly in half-court offensive sets.
New York Knicks Injury Report and Rotation Impact
The Knicks enter this game missing several important pieces, particularly in the paint and backcourt. Mitchell Robinson is out with an ankle injury and isn't expected to return before January 30. His absence removes New York's primary rim protector and best rebounder, forcing Isaiah Hartenstein to take on heavier minutes and making help defense in the paint more critical.
Miles McBride is also sidelined with an ankle injury, thinning the Knicks' guard rotation and increasing the workload on Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes, especially when the second unit is on the floor. Josh Hart is listed as questionable with right ankle soreness. If he plays, his minutes may be limited; if not, New York loses one of its most reliable perimeter defenders and rebounders.
Projected Knicks rotation if Hart plays:
- Jalen Brunson
- Donte DiVincenzo
- OG Anunoby
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Isaiah Hartenstein
- Quentin Grimes and Ryan Arcidiacono seeing extended minutes
Toronto Raptors Injury Report and Lineup Adjustments
The Raptors will be without starting center Jakob Poeltl, who is out with a lower-back strain. Without him, Toronto loses significant size, interior defense, and screen-setting ability. Kelly Olynyk and Chris Boucher are expected to share center minutes, with Scottie Barnes providing additional help inside when needed.
Collin Murray-Boyles is questionable with a left-thumb contusion. If he sits, Toronto will likely deploy smaller lineups and rely more heavily on Barnes at power forward.
Projected Raptors rotation if Murray-Boyles is out:
- Immanuel Quickley
- Bruce Brown
- Scottie Barnes
- Kelly Olynyk
- Chris Boucher
Team Comparison and Key Statistics
2025-26 Season Comparison:
- Record: Knicks 28-18, Raptors 29-19
- Offensive Rating: Knicks ~116.5, Raptors ~112.0
- Defensive Rating: Knicks ~112.0, Raptors ~114.0
- Pace: Knicks below league average, Raptors above league average
- 3-Point Shooting: Knicks ~36%, Raptors ~34%
- Rebounding: Knicks strong, Raptors average without Poeltl
Scottie Barnes continues to lead Toronto across multiple categories, averaging approximately 18.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Immanuel Quickley provides scoring punch at roughly 16.7 points per contest.
What Will Decide the Game
Toronto enters as a slight home favorite at 1.5 points, with the total set near 221.5. However, New York has covered the spread in its last three games played in Toronto. Several key factors will likely determine the outcome:
- Jalen Brunson's control of the Knicks' offense and his ability to exploit matchups
- Karl-Anthony Towns' advantage against Toronto's smaller frontcourt
- Whether Scottie Barnes can effectively defend Towns while simultaneously carrying Toronto's offensive load
- Guard play, shot selection, and how well each team manages mismatches over four quarters
With key rotation players unavailable on both sides, this matchup will test each team's depth and adaptability. The game could ultimately be decided by which team better adjusts to its injury limitations and executes its game plan under pressure.
