Orlando Magic vs New York Knicks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 14/02/2024, 04:07  by Joseph King | Modified on 14/02/2024 at 11:00 in NBA Prediction

An Eastern Conference matchup between two impressive teams in the NBA sees the eighth-place Orlando Magic hosting the fourth-placed New York Knicks. Orlando has clearly made progress from the team that finished 13th in the standings last year. Their 29-25 record places them eighth, even with the Miami Heat who have an identical record and just a half game behind the Pacers in sixth. Securing the sixth seed would be a massive boon to Orlando as it would mean skipping the play-in tournament. The hosts come into this contest off the back of a 127-113 home defeat to the OKC Thunder, a result which snapped a two-game winning streak. Overall, it’s been a positive run of form for the Magic who are 5-2 over their last seven games. On their home court at the Kia Center is where the Magic have done most of their damage this season, posting a 17-8 record compared to 12-17 on the road. 

Following a fantastic nine-game winning streak which saw the Knicks shoot up in the standings, they’ve since cooled down considerably. New York is coming off a controversial 105-103 loss to the Rockets on Monday, a result in which they have filed an official dispute after officials acknowledged an incorrect foul call leading to two winning free throws for the Rockets. If successful, the Knicks are hoping for an overtime period to complete the game. As they await the decision, they travel to Orlando looking to snap a three game losing streak. New York is banged-up at the moment and is without two key pieces in Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, both of whom are out for at least three weeks. Still, the Knicks have shown they can win with this shortened rotation with wins over the Grizzlies, Pacers, Jazz and Hornets recently.