Beasts of East: Knicks vs. Raptors Series History

When Do the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors Play Next?

New York Knicks tickets and Toronto Raptors tickets can be found on their respective team pages, along with schedule information.

Are the New York Knicks and the Toronto Raptors Rivals?

Yes, the New York Knicks and the Toronto Raptors have a brewing rivalry within the NBA. Both the Knicks and the Raptors compete in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, with the division winner gaining an automatic berth into the NBA Playoffs. The Atlantic Division was one of the most competitive in the NBA in 2022–2023, with all five teams making it to postseason play.

Who Are the New York Knicks’ Biggest Rivals?

The New York Knicks are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. With such a decorated history, they have several intensely brewing rivalries. The Knicks have division rivals in the Toronto Raptors, the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets. Historically, the Knicks also have rivalries with the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers.

Who Are the Toronto Raptors’ Biggest Rivals?

The Toronto Raptors’ biggest rivals are their four divisional opponents in the Atlantic: the New York Knicks, the Brooklyn Nets, the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors once had a rivalry with the Memphis Grizzlies when the Grizzlies were located in Canada, but it has since become less fierce.

Game Results Between the Knicks & Raptors

The Knicks and Raptors have squared off 114 times between 1995 and 2023. The Knicks won the first eight games of the series, and 11 of the first 12 games against the Raptors. However, Toronto has both the overall edge in series wins with a 61–45 record. The Raptors also have the longest win streak, winning nine in a row from 2018–2020. Since 2016, Toronto has a 22–5 record against the Knicks.

New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors History

The peak of the Knicks and Raptors rivalry took place at the turn of the millennium. In the 1999–2000 season, the Knicks were led by Patrick Ewing and Allan Houston and won 50 regular season games. As the three seed in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks hosted the Raptors in the 2000 Eastern Conference First Round. The Knicks swept the Raptors in three games, despite their margin of victory only being four points per game.

The Raptors would exact their revenge one year later. In the 2000–2001 season, the Raptors improved their record by four games and upset the Knicks in the first round as a five seed. Despite losing game one, Toronto roared back in game two, throttling the Knicks by 20 points. While New York regained control of the series in game three, Toronto ripped off wins in both game four and game five to get the series win. Vince Carter led the Raptors in game five with 27 points.

Where Do the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks Play?

Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto is the home of both the Raptors and the Toronto Maple Leafs NHL franchise. Both the Arena and the Raptors are owned by Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment group. MLSE also owns Maple Leaf Square outside of Scotiabank Arena, known as “Jurassic Park,” where fans who don’t get tickets to the game demonstrate their support for the Raptors. Scotiabank Arena has been the Raptors home stadium since 1999 and has a seating capacity of 19,800.

Madison Square Garden is not only the home of the New York Knicks, but is commonly referred to as the most historic sporting venue in the United States. Located in Manhattan, Madison Square Garden has been the home of the Knicks since 1968, and has entrenched itself among the best home team atmospheres in all of sports.