Knicks and Raptors Set the Stage for a Sneaky NBA Cup Preview
So, here’s what’s going on with this Knicks vs. Raptors matchup, and why it’s way more intriguing than your usual regular-season game. The Raptors are stepping onto the court for the second night of a back-to-back, and they’re doing it after a tough 118–111 overtime loss to the Hornets. That kind of defeat could drag a team down, but in this case, it might actually be brushed aside pretty quickly. Why? Because this game isn’t just a game — it’s basically a trailer for what’s coming in the NBA Cup quarterfinal on December 9.
And the fun twist? This is the first time the Raptors and Knicks are meeting this season. That adds a layer of mystery. Neither side has shown their cards yet, and with a knockout game coming up, both coaching staffs are definitely thinking about how much to reveal and how much to keep hidden. There’s always that strategic dance — go full throttle for the win, or save some tricks for when it matters even more?
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But beyond the storyline of the looming NBA Cup clash, there are some real basketball questions surrounding this one. The biggest? Brandon Ingram. He’s been placed in the spotlight simply because, right now, everything funnels through him. Scottie Barnes may be the most dynamic all-around threat, but Ingram is the one whose scoring sets the tone. And lately, he’s been taking a lot of shots — nearly 25 per game over his last three outings. That spike directly connects to RJ Barrett being out with a knee issue. Without Barrett, Ingram has shouldered more responsibility, but it’s risky when his efficiency drops, like it did in the second half against Charlotte. The Raptors need him to be sharp, or at least selective, so they don’t slide into trouble.
On the other side, the Knicks arrive with momentum. They’ve quietly put together a strong month, winning five straight early on and entering this game with hopes of finishing November with four consecutive victories. Jalen Brunson has been spectacular — over 32 points per game across their last three wins. The big names like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges will demand defensive attention, but the surprises have come from Josh Hart and Miles McBride. Hart is basically flirting with triple-doubles, and McBride can’t seem to miss from deep lately. And all this is happening without OG Anunoby.
One area the Raptors will definitely want to clean up is their defensive approach in clutch moments. The Hornets repeatedly hunted Immanuel Quickley late in Saturday’s game, and even Barnes stepping in to pre-switch couldn’t stop them from finding mismatches. Charlotte exposed something there, and other teams will notice.
So as these two teams meet — one trying to recover quickly, the other riding a wave — it feels like the early chapters of a matchup we’ll see again very soon, with much higher stakes. And that’s what makes tonight’s game feel a little more electric than usual.
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