THE Orlando Magic and New York Knicks face off Friday at Madison Square Garden for the last time of the season. THE Magic are fourth in the East with a 37-26 record, while the Knicks are just below them in fifth with a 36-26 record. Orlando won the season series 3-0 against its potential first-round matchup in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Their last game on February 14 ended in a 118-100 victory for the Magic behind Paolo Banchero’s 36 points and six rebounds. The shorthanded Knicks didn’t have much support around Jalen Brunson, who dropped 33 points.
Orlando shot an impressive 63.2% in this game, while the Knicks were only able to conceal 41.2% of their attempts.
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Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks Preview, Betting Tips, Odds and Predictions
Local television operators Bally Sports Florida and MSG will cover the Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks game. Fans outside of local areas can watch the contest online via NBA League Pass. The alert is at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Money line: Magic -102, Knicks -116
Spread: Magic +1 (-110), Knicks -1 (-110)
Total (including): Magic o207.5 (-110), Knicks u207.5 (-110)
Editor’s Note: Odds may change as the game approaches. The odds listed were consistent with information available at the time of writing.
Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks: Preview
The Magic are 12-3 since February, tied for the best record over that span with the league-leading Boston Celtics.
Their defensive effort has remained consistent, as they occupy the seventh best rating over this period. It was their offensive improvement that contributed to their growth. They are 13th in the NBA in their last 15 games, 23rd best of the season.
The Magic have outscored their opponents by 5.7 points during that span. The improved 3-point shot was decisive. Orlando is shooting 39.3% from 3 (fourth) during this run and 35.5% (25th) overall this season.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are 6-9 in their last 15 games. Injuries are to blame for their inconsistency. New York was without Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby, while Jalen Brunson also missed a few games. New York saw decline on both sides during this difficult period.
He is 25th in defense and 18th in offense. On the season, the Knicks are 11th in offense and defense. The Knicks will be without Randle, Anunoby and Robinson, while Brunson is doubtful for Friday’s game.
Meanwhile, the Magic have just one injury. Wendell Carter Jr. is questionable.
Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks: Starting Lineups
Magical starting lineup
PG – Antoine Black, SG – Jalen Suggs, SF – Franz Wagner, PF – Paolo Banchero, VS – Goga Bitadze
Knicks starting lineup
PG – Jalen Brunson, SG – Donte DiVincenzo, SF – Josh Hart, PF – Precious Achiuwa, VS – Isaiah Hartenstein
Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks: Betting Tips
Jalen Brunson is favored to score over 28.5 points. Before going scoreless in his outing against the Cavaliers less than a minute into the game, Brunson had averaged 31.9 points in his last 10 outings.
Paolo Banchero is favored to score under 21.5 points, but the reigning Rookie of the Year has 23.9 points in his last 10 games. Banchero has exceeded his points in three of his last five outings.
Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks: Prediction
The New York Knicks are the marginal favorites to win Friday with a money line of -114 to -105.
The Orlando Magic should cover the spread and win the game. New York doesn’t have the depth to deal with the Magic’s size with the front line of Anunoby, Randle and Robinson absent.
The Knicks could match the Magic’s 3-point shooting or even surpass them from beyond the arc, but Orlando is the better team in paint scoring. New York could also miss Jalen Brunson for the second straight game.
This could become a lopsided affair if that happens. However, even if he plays, the Magic may have the advantage after getting the better of the Knicks three times, regardless of how healthy their team is.
