The 2023-24 NBA season has delivered some terrific drama and excitement all season long, and it’s only going to get better as we get closer to the playoffs. There is a massive game on Friday night as the Orlando Magic will visit the New York Knicks.
Momentum will be on the side of the Magic in this game as they have rattled off five straight wins ahead of Friday night. The Knicks are now sitting at 37-26 on the year, and they are climbing up the standings in the Eastern Conference.
New York is coming into this game with a record of 36-26, and they want to get back ahead of the Magic in the standings. The Knicks have gone just 2-3 in the last five games, and they have not been playing extremely well.
The New York Knicks come into this game as a 1.5-point betting favorite, and the over/under line is set at 208.5 total points.
Banchero Carrying the Magic
The Orlando Magic have been building their roster for the last few seasons, and they are led by a future star in Paolo Banchero. The former Duke star is averaging 22.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game this season.
While Banchero is having a monster season for the Magic, it’s going to take a total team effort if they intend to keep the winning streak going. Orlando is scoring just 111 points per game, and that’s a number that will need to improve.
There are still some defensive concerns for the Magic, and that will be something to keep an eye on in this matchup. Orlando simply can’t allow easy baskets to New York on Friday night.
Knicks Want to Defend
The New York Knicks might be scoring 113 points per game this season, but they want to win games on the defensive end of the floor. New York is an extremely physical team, and they will put some pressure on Banchero in this game.
Jalen Brunson is leading the way with 27.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game this season, but he is currently dealing with a bruised knee. That will put more pressure on the other offensive players to score, but New York doesn’t always shoot well.
Look for the Knicks to try to slow down the pace in this game, and Julius Randle will look to take over on offense.
Knicks Pick Up Big Win
This young Orlando Magic team is coming into this game with a ton of momentum, but there are still some flaws on this roster. Orlando needs to shoot well to win games, and they are going to face a good defense in this one.
The status of Jalen Brunson is going to be something to check out in this matchup, but the Knicks still have enough talent to win this game. Playing at home is going to be a huge key for the Knicks, and they will get enough stops to come up with a win.
Bet the New York Knicks -1.5 as they are going to find a way to survive on their home floor and end the winning streak for the Orlando Magic.
