New York Knicks: Keys To Game vs. Toronto Raptors

Nov 3, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea (5) defends against Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Injured Players Returning?

The Knicks and Raptors both have a player injured that is important to their success. Coincidentally, both players were also free agent acquisitions this past offseason. For the Knicks, it is Arron Afflalo, and for the Raptors it is DeMarre Carroll.

Afflalo has missed every game thus far this season with a nagging left hamstring injury. Afflalo reaggravated the injury in the Knicks’ final preseason game, as he missed most of training camp prior to that as well. There is a chance that he is able to return to the court for the Knicks tonight, but nothing is set in stone. It is more likely that he will sit out again and possibly return Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets.

For the Raptors, Carroll sat out the Raptors last game on Sunday against the Heat. Carroll is the quintessential glue guy, so losing him was a big blow. The Raptors’ defense suffers, and their flow offensively does as well as Carroll can help stretch the court to open up the middle. He sat out Sunday to rest a sore heal, and was replaced by James Johnson.

“The injury has affected his play, his jump shot and his defensive movement. Getting him rest right now is the most important thing,” said Raptors’ head coach Dwane Casey.

Carroll is shooting only 34.2 percent this season after making 48.7 last season, and it is fair to question if the heel injury is the cause. If he sits out for a second game, expect Johnson to once again take over in the starting lineup.

Next: Who Wins Rebounding Battle?