Raptors Look to Rebound Against Magic After Costly Collapse vs Knicks
The Raptors were just one solid half away from grabbing the third seed in the East and finally putting one in the win column against the Knicks this season. Instead, they watched a promising start unravel into a blowout loss-and now they’ll look to get back on track tonight on the road against a young but unpredictable Orlando Magic squad.
Raptors Outlook: A Step Forward, Then a Step Back
Recent Games:
- vs Knicks - L, 119-92
- @ Thunder - W, 103-101
- @ Trail Blazers - W, 110-98
- @ Kings - W, 122-109
- @ Warriors - W, 145-127
Toronto came into that Knicks game riding a wave of momentum. They’d just wrapped up a 4-1 West Coast road trip, capped by a 145-point explosion at Golden State.
The team looked healthier, sharper, and more in sync than they had in weeks. But that momentum hit a wall in the second half against New York.
After building a 51-47 halftime lead-and leading by even more earlier in the half-the Raptors simply ran out of gas. They managed just 41 points after the break while allowing the Knicks to turn up the pressure and flip the game on its head. It wasn’t just a loss-it was a statement from New York, and a missed opportunity for Toronto.
A big part of the struggle came on the glass. Collin Murray-Boyles made his return from a thumb injury, but the Raptors were still undersized, and Karl-Anthony Towns made them pay. He hauled in 22 rebounds, dominating the interior and exposing Toronto’s need for more physicality inside, especially with Jakob Poeltl still sidelined.
Still, this is a Raptors team that’s shown it can respond. They’ve already proven they can win tough games on the road, and with the East standings still tight, every game counts.
Magic Outlook: Betting Big, Still Waiting on a Payoff
Recent Games:
- @ Heat - W, 133-124
- @ Cavaliers - L, 114-98
- vs Cavaliers - L, 119-105
- vs Hornets - L, 124-97
- @ Grizzlies - L, 126-109
Orlando’s front office made waves earlier this season by swinging a blockbuster deal to bring in Desmond Bane from Memphis. The price?
Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and four unprotected first-round picks. That’s an all-in move for a team that believed it was ready to take the next step.
So far, the results have been mixed. The Magic sit just two games over .500 and hold the eighth seed in the East. Not exactly the breakout many expected, but there’s still time-and in a conference that’s wide open, seeding might not mean everything come playoff time.
Bane, for his part, has been steady if not spectacular. His numbers have dipped a bit from his Memphis days, but he’s still putting up 19 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. He gives Orlando a much-needed perimeter threat and veteran presence alongside Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs.
Tonight’s matchup also carries a bit of revenge energy. The Raptors won the first meeting between these teams in dramatic fashion, storming back in the fourth quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Orlando hasn’t forgotten that one.
What to Watch Tonight
Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: TSN
Radio: TSN Radio 1050
Venue: Kia Centre
This is a clash between two teams trying to find consistency in a chaotic Eastern Conference. For Toronto, it’s about bouncing back from a disappointing loss and proving they can hang with the top tier. For Orlando, it’s about validating the front office’s bold trade and showing they can close games against playoff-caliber opponents.
Projected Starters
Orlando Magic
- PG: Jalen Suggs
- SG: Anthony Black
- SF: Desmond Bane
- PF: Paolo Banchero
- C: Wendell Carter
Toronto Raptors
- PG: Immanuel Quickley
- SG: RJ Barrett
- SF: Brandon Ingram
- PF: Scottie Barnes
- C: Collin Murray-Boyles
Injury Report
Raptors:
- Jakob Poeltl (Lower Back Strain) - Out
- A.J. Lawson (G-League Assignment) - Out
- Alijah Martin (G-League Assignment) - Out
- Chucky Hepburn (G-League Assignment) - Out
Magic:
- Franz Wagner (Left High Ankle Sprain) - Out
- Colin Castleton (G-League Assignment) - Out
The Raptors have shown flashes of being a top-tier team in the East, but they’ll need to put together a full 48 minutes to keep pace in the standings. The Magic, meanwhile, are still trying to find their identity post-trade. With both teams fighting to define their place in the playoff picture, expect a high-energy, high-stakes matchup in Toronto tonight.