The New York Knicks head north of the border for a tricky road test, and they do so shorthanded. The team’s final injury report before tipoff in Toronto lists Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride as out, while Josh Hart is questionable with right ankle soreness. That is a lot of toughness, rebounding, and on-ball grit in doubt for a game that already asks a lot from New York’s stars.

There is no hiding the stakes. The Knicks are 28-18 and sit second in the Atlantic Division, fresh off a week that showed both their ceiling and their bite. Toronto, at 29-19, will test their discipline, their legs, and their ability to win the little battles without their best offensive rebounder and rim protector.

Knicks injury report vs. Raptors: who’s in, who’s out

Per multiple reports, the Knicks have ruled out Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride. Josh Hart is listed as questionable due to right ankle soreness. One update summed it up cleanly: “No Mitch or McBride tonight for Knicks in Toronto.”

There were conflicting notes earlier in the day regarding Robinson’s availability, including a game-time designation from some outlets. But by the team’s final update ahead of the Raptors matchup, Robinson was listed as out.

Also out for New York: Pacome Dadiet (G League assignment), Trey Jemison III (G League two-way), Dillon Jones (G League two-way), and Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery).

“If Robinson’s out, who eats the glass tonight?”

Mitchell Robinson’s absence and the ripple effect on the glass

Robinson’s value is simple to see and hard to replace. He averages 4.9 offensive rebounds in only 19.5 minutes per game. That is elite. Those extra chances matter even more on the road, where clean looks are tougher to find and momentum swings quickly. Without him, New York must gang-rebound and be even sharper with box-outs.

On defense, Robinson’s length helps erase mistakes at the rim. Against the Raptors and their star forward Scottie Barnes (18.1 PTS, 8.3 REB, 5.9 AST, 1.1 STL, 1.2 BLK), that safety net would have been key. Barnes lives in the paint and pressures the rim. The Knicks will need to keep the ball in front and avoid fouls, because there is less shot-blocking behind the first line tonight.

Josh Hart’s ankle and the rotation math

Hart is the Knicks’ heartbeat in many ways. He rebounds like a big, defends across positions, and makes the extra pass. With a questionable tag for right ankle soreness, New York has to prepare for both paths. If Hart plays, his minutes may be managed. If he cannot go, the wings and guards behind him must absorb tough defensive assignments and help on the boards, especially with McBride also out.

Either way, the Knicks need to keep second-chance points in check and value every possession. That means quick outlets, less gambling, and strong closeouts to finish defensive plays.

“This is Brunson’s night — 30 or we’re in trouble.”

Karl-Anthony Towns’ role grows: spacing, boards, and decisions

Karl-Anthony Towns was cleared from back spasms and available as of Jan. 27, and he remains a key piece for this one. His line of 17.2 PTS, 10.3 REB, 2.5 AST with 1.5 made threes per game offers spacing that can pull a big out of the paint and open drives for teammates. Without Robinson, Towns’ defensive rebounding and positioning become just as important as his jump shot.

Expect Towns to touch the ball early and often. If Toronto sends help, his kick-outs must be on time. If they play single coverage, he should go to work on the block or pick-and-pop to the arc. His ability to make quick decisions will set the tone for the half-court offense.

Jalen Brunson’s burden on the road

Jalen Brunson is averaging 22.9 points with 2.8 threes per game and is the team’s late-game compass. On the road, and with rotation pieces out or limited, Brunson will need to create steady shots, draw fouls, and keep the pace under control. His 4.7 assists also matter; trusting teammates will be key if traps come.

The Knicks have shown they can grind out close wins — the 112-109 edge over the 76ers proved that — and Brunson’s crunch-time calm is a big reason why. Expect him to probe, pivot, and punish mistakes from the mid-range and the arc.

Raptors outlook: Scottie Barnes and paint pressure

Toronto’s record (29-19) speaks to a team that wins with pace, size, and the two-way engine of Scottie Barnes. His stat line — 18.1 PTS, 8.3 REB, 5.9 AST, 1.1 STL, 1.2 BLK — shows an all-around star who touches every part of the game. The Raptors will attack downhill, try to get to the rim, and test New York’s rotations without Robinson anchoring the paint.

If the Knicks can keep Barnes and the Raptors off the offensive glass and off the free-throw line, they give themselves a real shot. Defend without fouling, finish possessions, and make Toronto shoot jumpers over a hand.

“Please, just box out Scottie and live with the jumpers.”

Form check: Knicks have the momentum

New York’s week included a 120-66 demolition of the Nets — the largest margin of victory in franchise history — and that wasn’t a fluke. The defense was tight, the ball moved, and the energy popped. The Knicks enter at 28-18, second in the Atlantic, and their confidence should travel if they stick to their habits.

But tonight is about winning a different kind of game: a road slog, where shot-making comes and goes. That means discipline, patience, and effort on every loose ball.

What will decide Knicks vs. Raptors

• Rebounding battle: Without Robinson, Towns and the guards must tag and gang-rebound. Limit second chances.
• Paint protection: Keep drives in front and rotate early against Barnes. Wall off the lane without fouling.
• Brunson’s control: Use pace wisely, attack mismatches, and trust the pass when traps come.
• Hart’s status: If he plays, even in limited minutes, his hustle can swing a quarter. If not, collective effort must fill the gap.
• Threes vs. twos: Towns’ pick-and-pop and Brunson’s catch-and-shoot looks could tilt the math in New York’s favor.

The bottom line

The final injury report forces the Knicks into a tough spot: no Mitchell Robinson, no Miles McBride, and uncertainty around Josh Hart’s ankle. That is a lot to absorb against a Raptors team that thrives in the paint. The good news? Karl-Anthony Towns is available to shoulder more minutes, and Jalen Brunson has been steady as a rock late in games.

For New York, the path is clear: win the glass by committee, keep the ball in front, and trust your stars to make the right play. Do those things, and the Knicks can turn a short-handed night into a statement road win.