Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks are trying their absolute best to push through. While they are a very talented team, their roster has a lot of consistency issues. Right now, they rank 7th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 12 wins and 9 losses. They are coming off back-to-back losses against the first and third-seeded teams in the East. The Knicks made it to the In-Season Tournament Quarter Finals but succumbed to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jalen Brunson was the first Knick to score 20+ in 3 consecutive playoff games since Carmelo Anthony in 2013 🫡
He really might go down as one of the best free agency signings in a LONG time! 👀 pic.twitter.com/f1co6gfHFT
— Big Knick Energy (@BigKnickEnergy_) December 11, 2023
Their opponents for the night, the Toronto Raptors are also trying their best to work with the roster they currently have. These days, a team without a designated All-Star often has its struggles. Toronto is working with a set of great emerging stars such as Dennis Schroder, OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam. But they do not have a leader good enough to bring the best out of them at the moment having lost Fred VanVleet. They are 9th in the East with a record of 9 wins and 13 losses.
Jalen Brunson is listed as questionable for the Knicks vs. Raptors game
Jalen Brunson has been a pivotal addition to the Knicks roster. Amidst the chaotic seasons they’ve had with him, Brunson has managed to give them a good enough push to succeed. However, the star is questionable for the Raptors game due to a left ankle sprain. Their starting center, Mitchell Robinson will also miss the Raptors game due to a knee injury. His return timeline line hasn’t been set up yet.
Pascal Siakam showing his team what defense looks like pic.twitter.com/wmSAFDqXi0
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) December 9, 2023
The Raptors have a few players out as well. Christian Koloko, who is suffering from an illness is listed out against the Knicks. He is likely to be sidelined for the time being. Otto Porter Jr. endured a foot injury which has sidelined him for the upcoming matchup. Head Coach Darko Rajakovic remains optimistic that Porter will return soon. Markquis Nowell, who made his debut during preseason will remain out for the foreseeable future.
New York Knicks Injury Report:
- Jalen Brunson (Questionable)
- Mitchell Robinson (Out)
New York Knicks Expected Lineup:
- Immanuel Quickley
- Donte DiVincenzo
- RJ Barrett
- Julius Randle
- Isaiah Hartenstein
Toronto Raptors Injury Report:
- Christian Koloko (Out)
- Otto Porter Jr. (Out)
- Markquis Nowell (Out)
Toronto Raptors Expected Lineup:
- Dennis Schroder
- OG Anunoby
- Scottie Barnes
- Pascal Siakam
- Jakob Poeltl
Will the Knicks survive against the Raptors without Jalen Brunson?
Having Jalen Brunson out of the lineup could cause a few issues as the Knicks heavily rely on his presence. On the brighter side, Julius Randle has shown great improvement on offense rather than being inconsistent. But he will have to bring out his inner leader once again with Brunson being sidelined. Randle has been averaging 21.4 points along with 9.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. What the Knicks will be lacking is a three-point shooter as Brunson averages 3 made attempts per game.
Julius Randle was a SCORING MACHINE in a tough loss to Milwaukee in the NBA In-Season Tournament Quarterfinals!
41 PTS
6 REB
73% FG pic.twitter.com/NontB71LOe— NBA (@NBA) December 6, 2023
The Knicks will be a handful to work with for the Raptors tonight. They do not have as much as the Knicks possess at the moment. Siakam has only been averaging 20.7 points per game, which isn’t his best. Scottie Barnes is the only other consistent scorer on the team besides him. The Raptors lack perimeter shooting and defense that has an impact. Barnes happens to be their best defender averaging 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. But the Knicks have a high chance of winning.