Raptors at Knicks
THE STORY: While it's only been a small sample, Mike Woodson
is making a strong case that the New York Knicks should remove the
interim tag and make him the team's next coach. The Knicks will go for
their fourth consecutive victory since Woodson replaced Mike D'Antoni
when they host the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. The teams have split both
meetings this season, with each winning on the road.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TSN (Raptors), MSG (Knicks)
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (15-30): After an impressive victory at Memphis on
Friday, Toronto coughed up a 10-point halftime lead and lost at
league-worst Charlotte 107-103 on Saturday. Point guard Jerryd Bayless
continued his stellar play with a team-high 29 points. He has averaged
21.8 points and 7.6 assists while starting the past five games for Jose
Calderon, who may be back in the lineup Tuesday. Andrea Bargnani's
struggles continue. He's averaged 13.0 points on 12 for 40 shooting in
his last three games.
ABOUT THE KNICKS (21-24): New York
has rolled to three impressive victories, winning by an average of 23.7
points following a six-game losing streak. Because of the lopsided
nature of the wins, the Knicks haven't been reliant on stars Carmelo
Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire, who are averaging 14.7 and 13.7 points,
respectively, during their streak. J.R. Smith's offense has picked up as
he settles into the sixth man role. He is averaging 16.0 points and has
buried 12 3-pointers in the last three contests.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. New York has won five of the past six meetings with the Raptors.
2. Since winning back-to-back games Jan. 24-25, Toronto has failed on nine straight occasions to win consecutive games.
3. Anthony is averaging 25.3 points against the Raptors in his career.