New York Knicks: Keys To Game vs. Toronto Raptors
Nov 17, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) posts up against Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) during the first quarter of a game at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Battle Of The Boards
The Knicks have been much improved on the boards this season, as free agents Robin Lopez and Kyle O’Quinn have given them a lot more size in the middle. Rookie Kristaps Porzingis has been great as well, leading the team with 8.6 rebounds per game. If the Knicks are to pick up a win over the Raptors, they will need those players to bring it on the glass once again.
This season the Knicks have a positive rebounding differential, bringing down 45.9 of their own and allowing 44.1. They will have to bring it against the Raptors, who are sixth in the NBA in rebounding differential at 5.5 per game, giving up only 40.6 per game; the third least in the NBA. They are ninth in the NBA in rebounds per game with 46.1.
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It will be a battle on the inside, as the Raptors have Jonas Valanciunas leading the way with 10.1 rebounds per game. He is a big body inside, and gets help from Luis Scola and Bismack Biyombo. They are averaging 7.1 and 6.4 rebounds per game respectively, which are strong numbers in only 22.1 and 16.3 minutes per game.
If the Knicks are to win the rebounding battle to help get them an edge in the game, they will need to continue getting help from their guards. Langston Galloway is averaging 5.0 rebounds per game, with Sasha Vujacic averaging 4.0. With his minutes dwindling, the Knicks will need players such as Jerian Grant and Derrick Williams to help fill the void behind their three bigs and Carmelo Anthony.
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