Knicks Close Preseason at the Garden Against Kawhi's Raptors

New York Knicks Toronto Raptors

Matchup: Toronto Raptors (2-1) at New York Knicks (0-4), NBA preseason Start: 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT) Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York TV: MSG Networks / MSG 2 in New York; Sportsnet / SN+ in Toronto. No national TV. Also listed on NBA League Pass and DAZN where available.

The defending champions wrap up the preseason at home in a quick rematch with Toronto. Two nights ago, the Knicks lost 148-98 at Scotiabank Arena, with coach Mike Brown resting Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart. James Wiseman led the Knicks that night with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points in 17 minutes in his first Raptors game since their 2019 title run, playing only the first half as planned. Scottie Barnes added 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting, and Collin Murray-Boyles also scored 19. The main question tonight is whether Brown plays his regular starters. It's New York's fifth and final exhibition before the regular-season opener against Philadelphia on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Garden.

Toronto (2-1) plays the first half of a back-to-back, with a game at Detroit on Friday. Forward Jamison Battle was expected to make his preseason debut after a back issue, and center Nate Bittle remained day-to-day with a foot problem. The Raptors open the regular season Oct. 21 at home against Chicago.

Storylines

The Knicks' final dress rehearsal before the Sixers, whether the starters play after Tuesday's rest night, and Kawhi's continued preseason ramp-up.

Key players to watch

Knicks (if active): Brunson, Towns, Anunoby, Bridges, Hart. Raptors: Leonard, Barnes, Barrett, Quickley.

Recent form

The Knicks are 0-4 in the preseason, including Tuesday's blowout in Toronto. The Raptors are 2-1 and coming off that 148-98 win.