WHEN: 7PM
WHERE: Air Canada Centre
WATCH: MSG

Projected Lineups:

Toronto

PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Anthony Parker
SF: Jamario Moon
PF: Chris Bosh
C: Jermaine O’Neal

Knicks

PG: Chris Duhon
SG: Jamal Crawford
SF: Quentin Richardson
PF: Zach Randolph
C: David Lee

Injuries:
Toronto: None to report
Knicks: Eddy Curry (game shape) will be held out of action, as well as Danilo Gallinari (bulging disk). Jared Jeffries (fractured tibia) is out 6-8 weeks.

Keep an eye on: Jose Calderon, who is coming off an injured groin, which caused him to be shut down during the Olympics. Also, Andrea Bargnani, the former 1st overall pick will come off the bench, and should provide great balance for the Raptors this season as the third piece up front to go along with Bosh and O’Neal.
For the Knicks, every player is worth keeping an eye on, but let’s start with Wilson Chandler. Should Chandler have a strong preseason, he should supplant Richardson as the team’s starting small forward.

Outlook: Knick fans are anxious to see what Mike D’Antoni’s offense has in store, he has been less than happy with the team’s effort over the past few days. I’m interested in seeing the combination of Bosh and O’Neal, who was acquired in the off season for PG T.J Ford.

…Andrew Smith writes…..

The Knicks’ defense at the point guard position was atrocious last year. Tonight, what I’m looking for is to see whether or not newcomer Chris Duhon, or Nate Robinson, an incredible athlete who has the potential to be a good defender, can stop Jose Calderon from penetrating into the paint. Calderon put up a phenomenal assist-to-turnover ratio last season. He has excellent vision and an ability to beat his man off the dribble and find shooters like Bargnani or Jason Kapono when their defenders come help.

Chris Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal are a tall order and would give any post defenders fits. The key to me tonight will be the perimeter defense and if D’Antoni’s no-BS style of coaching will force some of the old Knicks out of their bad habits.