Raptors vs. Knicks picks and odds: Back New York amid its hot streak

The Toronto Raptors begin a three-game road trip today. They play the New York Knicks.

The pregame narrative has us backing a red-hot Knicks team at home. We expect New York's defence to lock up Toronto's struggling offence.

Raptors have won three of their last four games. The team has been dreadful away from home this season. New York has won seven of its last eight games and is on a hot streak. Toronto is 5-13 away this year and 8-10 against the spread. The Knicks beat the Raptors 112-108 at Scotiabank Arena on January 6.

Raptors are under 108.5 points (-114) in three of six games during their recent homestand. New York is on a 7-1 run and has held opponents to 103.6 points during that time. Fred VanVleet is a doubt for today's game.

Raptors are under 27.5 1Q points at home this season. Knicks are allowing the fewest first-quarter points of any team in the NBA at 24.2. Toronto averages the eighth-fewest 1 Q points on the road this year (27.4).