Scouting Report
Jonah Ballow
KnicksNow.com
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KNICKS @ Raptors 7:00 PM – Montreal, Canada
Where to Watch: MSG Networks
Shootaround Update - 11 AM
At Knicks shootaround on Friday morning, head coach Mike Woodson told reporters Ronnie Brewer and Marcus Camby will most likely not play in any of the three games on the road trip. He also confirmed that James White will start at shooting guard and Amar’e Stoudemire will sit out the second game of the back-to-back on Saturday night.
Team Reports
New York: Six days ago, the Knicks notched their second preseason win with an overtime victory over the Celtics. The squad hit the road for the first lengthy road trip of the exhibition season with three road contests in five days. J.R. Smith stayed in New York as he is recovering from a sore left ankle. On a positive note, Amar’e Stoudemire will make his preseason debut and Ronnie Brewer joined the Knicks on the trip after he practiced for the first time on Wednesday.
Toronto: The Raptors were in the mix for Steve Nash this offseason but they were unable to land the Canadian when he decided to sign with the Lakers. However, Kyle Lowry was a noteworthy addition at the point guard spot and Toronto also inked former Knick Landry Fields to a deal this summer. Highly anticipated big man Jonas Valanciunas will begin his rookie campaign after spending a year overseas last season when the team selected him in the 2011 Draft.
Last Time Out
New York: In Hartford, Connecticut, Carmelo Anthony dropped 23 points and the Knicks topped the Celtics 98-95 in overtime on Saturday night.
Toronto: Fields scored 15 points and the Raptors improved to 2-1 in the preseason with a 104-101 win on Wednesday night.
The Numbers Game
Through two preseason games, Raymond Felton has produced at the point guard position. The motivated Felton has scored a combined 15 points, dished out 15 assists, and grabbed six rebounds in 43 minutes.
Match-up to Watch
Amar’e Stoudemire vs. Amir Johnson
Stoudemire worked with Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon this offseason to bolster his back to the basket game. In his first preseason action, it will be interesting to see if Stoudemire shows off a couple of his new moves on the block. One would assume the Knicks power forward will also look to attack in the open floor and rekindle his chemistry with Felton in pick-and-roll sets. Andrea Bargani left Wednesday’s game with a left calf contusion, so the Raptors could be cautious with their star player in the Friday night matchup against New York.
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