The Orlando Magic (3-11) travel to Madison Square Garden Wednesday to take on the New York Knicks (8-6). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Magic at Knicks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Without one of their best players (PF Jonathan Isaac) on the court, the Magic have been forced into playing some of their young prospects heavy minutes.
However, rookie SF Franz Wagner and second-year PG Cole Anthony have not disappointed. Both have been playing a high level despite Orlando only have three wins, one of which was against the Knicks.
The Magic split a two-game series with New York in October. The Knicks, on the other hand, have legitimate title aspirations behind All-Star PF Julius Randle.
With former MVP PG Derrick Rose on the roster, New York has one of the best second units in the NBA. At home, it’s a heavy favorite over a struggling Magic side.
Magic at Knicks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:06 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Magic +570 (bet $100 to win $570) | Knicks -900 (bet $900 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Magic +11.5 (-110) | Knicks -11.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 209.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)
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Magic at Knicks key injuries
Magic
- G Michael Carter-Williams (ankle) out
- G Markelle Fultz (knee) out
- F Jonathan Isaac (knee) out
Knicks
- C Nerlens Noel (knee) out
Magic at Knicks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Knicks 104, Magic 97
Money line
PASS.
The Knicks’ -900 price is far too expensive for a regular-season NBA game, especially against teams that split games earlier in the year.
Against the spread
BET the MAGIC +11.5 (-110) as the better value on this spread. If SG Jalen Suggs doesn’t play, the Magic will still have their four top scorers, all of which shoot over 43% from the field.
With the improvements of Wagner, averaging 13.8 points per game over his last eight, the Magic should be able to hang with New York. The Knicks’ strength has been their offense, not their defense like it used to be.
The Knicks have given up several big-time leads after the break, so even a slow start from Orlando wouldn’t be dire. The Knicks are 8-6 on the season, yet somehow have a -13.6 net third-quarter rating.
They just can’t hold leads, winning just three games by double figures. Orlando is a strong bet in this one.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the UNDER 209.5 (-115) as both teams prefer a slower pace.
While the Knicks are in the top half of the league in offensive rating, they are in the bottom five in pace. They just aren’t a team that likes to push the ball, playing through Randle offensively.
The Magic are one of the worst shooting teams in the league, ranking 27th in true-shooting percentage. They also rank 27th in offensive rating. The Magic didn’t score more than 92 points in four of their last six games.
They just aren’t a dynamic scoring side without a consistent go-to option. While Anthony hopes to be that player, shooting under 44% from the field doesn’t help his case.
Considering the Magic’s struggles to score and the Knicks pace, I’d lean the Under for a small unit.
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