Knicks vs Raptors Odds, Picks, Predictions | NBA Betting Preview (Wednesday, March 27)

Here's everything you need to know about Knicks vs. Raptors on Wednesday, March 27 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today's game.

For the fourth and final time this season, the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors face off in Toronto.

This matchup not only brings together two teams with divergent seasons but also carries significant playoff implications for New York as it looks to remain in contention for the second- and third-seeds in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks, riding high on a wave of impressive performances, face a Raptors team that has struggled to find consistent form, setting the stage for a game where a double-digit point spread comes into play.

New York has been a revelation this season, boasting a commendable rank of 12th in Offensive Rating, underscored by their league-best offensive rebounding mark.

This tenacity on the boards has often compensated for their middling effective field-goal percentage (20th), showcasing a team that maximizes its scoring opportunities.

Defensively, the Knicks have been stout, ranking eighth in Defensive Rating, supported by a balanced approach that limits opponents' effective field-goal percentage (11th) and secures defensive rebounds (eighth).

This defensive solidity, combined with a disciplined approach that rarely concedes free-throw opportunities (fourth in free-throw rate), forms the backbone of their success this season.

Conversely, the Raptors find themselves in a more precarious position, reflected in their rank of 24th in both Offensive and Defensive Ratings.

Offensively, despite a relatively low turnover percentage (17th), Toronto’s inability to convert effectively (18th in eFG%) and a lackluster free-throw percentage (29th) have hampered their scoring efficiency.

On the defensive end, challenges in limiting opponents' shooting (24th in eFG%) and a glaring weakness in defensive rebounding (26th) have frequently left the Raptors vulnerable.

However, their ability to limit free-throw attempts (third in free-throw rate) hints at a disciplined defensive strategy that could disrupt the Knicks' scoring rhythm.

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Given the contrasting strengths and weaknesses of both teams, taking the Knicks -13.5 emerges as the most compelling bet for this matchup.

The Knicks' dominance on the boards on both ends of the floor is likely to challenge the Raptors' shaky rebounding, providing New York with numerous scoring opportunities and limiting Toronto’s second-chance opportunities.

Coupled with their solid defensive framework, the Knicks are well-positioned to control the game's pace and limit the Raptors' offensive output. Moreover, New York's' balanced offensive strategy, which is capable of exploiting Toronto's defensive lapses, further tilts the scales in its favor.

Take the Knicks -13.5, and expect another decisive win for New York for the third time out of four meetings.

Pick: Knicks -13.5