The Toronto Raptors will look to carry their preseason momentum into Madison Square Garden when they face the New York Knicks on Thursday, Oct. 15.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET as Toronto continues preparing for the 2026-27 NBA season. The matchup comes two days after the teams met at Scotiabank Arena on Oct. 13, with Toronto winning 148-98. Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors with 21 points and five rebounds in his preseason return to Toronto, while Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles added
19 points apiece. The Raptors dominated from the opening quarter, building an 85-47 halftime lead and showcasing their offensive firepower.
The Raptors were also very strong defensively, showcasing that they have one of the best defensive units in the league. Raptors fans would expect this to remain the same this season.
When asked about defensive expectations, Scottie Barnes said there would be “more danger and activity, along with physicality. And then we will see what happens when the regular season comes.”
In their last contest, New York rested several key starters, making the result less indicative of how the teams will match up at full strength. The rematch gives both sides a quick turnaround and another opportunity to evaluate their rotations before the games start counting.
What can we expect from both teams?
For the Raptors, the focus is on building consistency, finding the right combinations and getting their core players comfortable playing together. After an uneven start to the preseason, Toronto has already shown signs of improvement, but there is still work to do before the regular season begins. It is important that Toronto takes lessons from each preseason game they play.
“I think it’s going really good, we’re trending upwards and every game we’re taking those things and coming into practice finding something we can work on,” said Barnes.
For the Knicks, The question is how quickly they can get its main rotation working together. The Knicks have the talent to put pressure on opposing defences, but Toronto will look to disrupt their rhythm by contesting shots, limiting second chances and forcing difficult possessions.
New York’s preseason results also make Thursday’s game another opportunity to build confidence before the games begin to count. With the regular season approaching, the Knicks will want to see their offence become more consistent while ensuring their defensive intensity is where it needs to be.
What to watch for
For Toronto, the biggest storyline will be how its core players continue to develop chemistry ahead of the regular season. Scottie Barnes’ versatility, RJ Barrett’s scoring ability and Immanuel Quickley’s playmaking will be important as the Raptors look to establish a consistent offensive rhythm. Toronto will also need contributions from its supporting cast to remain competitive on both ends of the floor.
Kawhi Leonard will be another player to watch after making his preseason debut against New York. He recorded 21 points, five rebounds and two steals in 17 minutes. His performance was an early indication of how he fits alongside Toronto’s core and what he could bring to the lineup moving forward.
“I think he [Kawhi] just fits in easily, the physicality, the active hands, him being able to switch with certain guys out there on the floor, I think it helps us all,” said Barnes.
New York will look to take advantage of its home-court setting at Madison Square Garden while continuing to refine its rotations. I don’t expect them to play another strong lineup with the regular season approaching, instead they will spread the minutes to players on the bench.
Prediction
Toronto will look to build momentum heading into Thursday’s matchup hoping to carry a same result from their performance on Tuesday into the rematch while continuing to build chemistry and establish a consistent offensive rhythm.
New York will have a similar opportunity to evaluate its progress after the first meeting, this time with home court advantage, but both teams will likely prioritize player development and lineup experimentation over the final result.
Raptors: 112 Knicks: 98
