Many people undoubtedly had tonight’s Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks game marked on their calendars, but sadly, it won’t be the reunion supporters had hoped for.
The Knicks haven’t visited Toronto since the trade that sent RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round draft pick to New York, along with O.G. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn.
Only one player from this trade will be able to play tonight due to injuries and other issues.
To begin with, Malachi Flynn was traded by the Knicks during the trade deadline, so he is no longer on the team. Due to elbow problems, O.G. Anunoby had to have surgery, which is why he isn’t playing right now and wasn’t able to travel to Toronto.
The Raptors’ RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley have also missed a lot of time this month due to grieving, taking time off from the team.
Although they are currently back with the team, they won’t be playing tonight as they are going through their return to competition conditioning.
That leaves Precious Achiuwa, who will likely receive a warm welcome from supporters on his first visit back to Toronto this evening.
Despite being somewhat hit by the injury bug this month, both teams’ season ending positions are very different. As of right now, the Raptors have lost 11 straight games due to injuries, absences, and legal issues, so they aren’t exactly gearing up for a postseason run.
The Knicks on the other hand are now fourth in the Eastern Conference and urgently hoping to cling on to the home court advantage remaining there would offer. They sit one game ahead of the Orlando Magic in fifth.
For one club, there will be an attempt to prevent a 12-game slump, and for the other, a crucial seeding game that they will be determined to win… should be exciting for Toronto. Furthermore, since moving to New York City, Precious Achiuwa has been on one, so perhaps a game of retaliation is in the works.
In any case, it’s good to see Barrett and Quickley back in the starting lineup. In a move that finally worked out for both sides, the Raptors return was their best of any transaction that went down this season. Both Barrett and Quickley are primed to be a part of this core moving forward and integrate into the squad smoothly. It also helps that both are excelling in their responsibilities on the team.
It appears that way on the opposite side as well. Despite being out with injuries on and off, Anunoby is receiving the exposure he deserves in a bigger market, and will hopefully have a nice playoff run. Achiuwa appears to be finally reaching a stride with a steady role as well.
Although not the game we were anticipating, it should be a great game to watch. The Knicks have made huge gains over the previous several seasons are are anticipating a good playoff run.
Hopefully next season Anunoby will get the acclaim he deserves upon his formal return to Toronto.
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