Posted on 2/22/2008 2:46:15 PM

NBA Betting Furious Free Picks - Toronto vs. New York

By Tim Furious

Toronto Raptors (29-23) vs. New York Knicks (16-38)

Friday, February 22nd --- Madison Square Garden, NYC --- 7:30pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Toronto -5.5 (198)

This should be an open and shut case for the Raptors as they take on their old boss once again. Surprisingly, Isaiah was unable to bring in Vince Carter from Jersey, which would’ve been a perfect way to debut him tonight. Instead, he’ll be rolling right on through to the lottery with his current bunch of wasted talent. In the meantime, they can expect their losing ways to continue tonight. Even more surprising? Isaiah still having a job in the NBA at the executive level.

Toronto is 4-2 both SU and ATS in their past six games and handled the Knicks fairly easily in a 99-90 victory in their only meeting this year. The opening line in that game was Toronto -5.5 so another six point victory is well within reach. The problem with New York, as always for Toronto, is dealing with big post players like Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph. Randolph is averaging 10.1 rebounds per game.

But the win over Orlando proves that Toronto has the muscle to weigh in against bigger opponents. They are issuing a statement to the rest of the Eastern Conference that they are tough enough to contend for a banner. Padding the win column against a team they are hold 4-of-6 victories over will only help their cause.

The Raptors betting faithful may be worried that Toronto is 4-9 ATS in the past 13 games when playing NYC on the road, but that won’t matter in this contest. New York’s expected implosion is right on cue, and the proof is in the pudding. They are 1-4 SU in their last 5 home games, while going 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games when playing Toronto as well.

The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto’s last 9 games, and with the way that New York usually bangs well against the Raptors, that should be no problem in this game either. The betting investor would be wise to put their money on Toronto to cover while taking the OVER in this one.

And if you’re feeling dangerous, I would take Toronto on Sunday over the Knicks as well. They look viscious on their own court and I would bet on the Raps over the Knicks with anything less than a 10-point handicap.

NBA Free Pick: Toronto (OVER)

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