New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson vs Toronto Raptors (Image via Getty) The New York Knicks head to Toronto on January 28, 2026, sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference. The Raptors are still trying to steady their season and remain in the playoff race. Recent meetings strongly favor New York, but injuries on both sides could shape how this game plays out.With key rotation players unavailable, this matchup is likely decided by guard play, shot selection, and how well each team manages mismatches over four quarters.
New York Knicks injuries and rotation status vs Toronto Raptors (January 28, 2026)
New York Knicks are missing important pieces, particularly in the paint and the backcourt. Mitchell Robinson is out with an ankle injury and is not expected to return before January 30. His absence removes the Knicks’ main rim protector and best rebounder. Isaiah Hartenstein will take on heavier minutes, and help defense in the paint becomes more important.Miles McBride is also out with an ankle injury. That leaves the Knicks thinner at guard, increasing the load on Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes, especially when the second unit is on the floor.Josh Hart is listed as questionable with right ankle soreness. If he plays, his minutes may be limited. If he does not, New York loses one of its most reliable perimeter defenders and rebounders.Projected Knicks rotation if Hart plays:Brunson, DiVincenzo, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, Hartenstein, with Grimes and Ryan Arcidiacono seeing extended time.
Toronto Raptors injuries and lineup impact vs New York Knicks (January 28, 2026)
Toronto Raptors will be without its starting center and may also be short in the frontcourt. Jakob Poeltl is out with a lower-back strain. Without him, the Raptors lose size, interior defense, and screen-setting. Kelly Olynyk and Chris Boucher are expected to share center minutes, with Scottie Barnes helping inside when needed.Collin Murray-Boyles is questionable with a left-thumb contusion. If he sits, Toronto is likely to use smaller lineups and rely more on Barnes at power forward.Projected Raptors rotation if Murray-Boyles is out:Immanuel Quickley, Bruce Brown, Scottie Barnes, Kelly Olynyk, Chris Boucher.
New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors Recent head-to-head results
This matchup has been one-sided for several seasons.From 2023 through the current season, the Knicks are 10–0 against the Raptors. That includes a 117–101 win in Toronto on December 9, 2025, when Jalen Brunson scored 35 points.New York has consistently scored over 120 points in these games, while Toronto has struggled to contain Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, particularly in half-court sets.
New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors Team comparison (2025–26 season)
CategoryKnicksRaptors Record 28–18 29–19 Offensive rating ~116.5 ~112.0 Defensive rating ~112.0 ~114.0 Pace Below league average Above league average 3-point shooting ~36% ~34% Rebounding Strong Average without PoeltlScottie Barnes continues to lead Toronto across the board, averaging around 18.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. Immanuel Quickley provides scoring punch at roughly 16.7 points per game.
What will decide the New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors game
Toronto is a slight home favorite at 1.5 points, with the total set near 221.5. Still, New York has covered in its last three games in Toronto.Key factors include Brunson’s control of the offense, Towns’ advantage against Toronto’s smaller frontcourt, and whether Barnes can defend Towns while carrying Toronto’s offensive load.