The New York Knicks head to Orlando to face the Magic on Friday night at 7:00 PM ET. Can the Knicks cover the 6.5-point spread as road favorites? Keep reading for our Knicks vs. Magic betting prediction.
The New York Knicks are 20-10 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 15-14-1 ATS this season.
The Orlando Magic are 19-13 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 18-13-1 ATS this season.
Knicks vs. Magic Matchup & Betting Odds
519 New York Knicks (-6.5) at 520 Orlando Magic (+6.5); o/u 211.5
7:00 p.m. ET, Friday, December 27, 2024
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Knicks vs. Magic Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 69% of public bettors are currently backing the Knicks when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
New York Knicks Daily Fantasy Spin
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (foot) will miss Friday’s game against the Magic. Robinson hasn’t played in a regular season game yet this season and will likely be out of action for at least another month.
New York forward Mikal Bridges was superb in his team’s 117-114 win over San Antonio on Christmas Day. The former Net logged 41 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in 43 minutes of action. Bridges shot 17 of 25 from the field and 6 of 9 from three-point range in the victory.
Orlando Magic Daily Fantasy Spin
Magic power forward Paolo Banchero (oblique), small forward Franz Wagner (oblique), center Moritz Wagner (ACL), and shooting guard Gary Harris (hamstring) have all been ruled out for Friday’s home date with the Knicks. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner were the team’s top two scorers on a per-game basis this season.
With Banchero and both Wagner brothers out of commission, the Magic have elevated Tristan da Silva, Goga Bitadze, and Trevelin Queen to the starting lineup. Bitadze is having the best season out of that trio. The former Pacer is putting up 9.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 65.0% from the floor in 23.8 minutes per contest this season.
Knicks vs. Magic NBA Betting Trends
New York is 35-39-2 ATS after a win since the start of last season.
New York is 6-7 ATS as a road favorite this season.
Orlando is 9-7-1 ATS as a home underdog since the start of last season.
Orlando is 27-22-1 ATS after a loss since the beginning of last season.
Knicks vs. Magic NBA Prediction:
Orlando will be shorthanded for this contest. Magic power forward Paolo Banchero was averaging 29.0 points per game before suffering an oblique injury. He hasn’t played since October 30th. Magic small forward Franz Wagner was averaging 24.4 points per game before also suffering an oblique injury earlier this month. Banchero and Wagner are Orlando’s top 2 scorers this season. Over the past 2+ weeks, Orlando has managed to keep the ship afloat with their stars out of the lineup.
The Magic are 3-4 straight up and 4-2-1 against the spread in their last 7 games overall. In that span, Orlando has outright home wins over Miami, Phoenix, and Boston. The Magic are well-coached and play good defense. Orlando ranks third in the NBA in defensive efficiency and second in the league in points allowed per game this season. I think the Magic will be able to use their stellar defense to keep this game within 2 possessions on Friday. Orlando is the pick.