NBA
New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic Odds, Tips and Prediction
The fourth and third seeds in the Eastern Conference prepare for battle in this crucial affair as both look to form a play-off bid.
Karl-Anthony Towns//Getty Images
The fourth and third seeds in the Eastern Conference prepare for battle in this crucial affair as both look to form a play-off bid. After a recent matchup at the Kia Center in Florida, the Magic will host the Knicks again after Christmas.
SportsBoom delves deeper into this vital matchup, examining both teams' respective head-to-head records, pre-game odds, and valuable bets.
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Match Details: New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic
Date: Saturday 28th December
Start time: 7 pm local time (12 am BST)
Venue: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida (FL)
Last meeting: December 15, 2024, New York Kicks 100-91 Orlando Magic
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
New York Knicks: 3/4 (1.75) – 57,1%
Orlando Magic: 11/10 (2.10) – 46,7%
Forecast Odds – Betting available on Stake closer to event
Head-to-Head Record
The New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic have met 132 times in NBA history. This matchup has produced several close games, but the standout record shows the Magic winning 67 times compared to the Knicks’ 65 wins.
Incredibly, this fixture's history shows that the Knicks are currently on a three-win streak, but the Magic completed four consecutive wins before this small spell of form.
Last Five Matches:
| Season | Date | Result |
| 2024/25 Season | December 15, 2024 | New York Knicks 100-91 Orlando Magic |
| 2024/25 Season | December 3, 2024 | New York Knicks 121-106 Orlando Magic |
| 2023/24 Season | March 8, 2024 | New York Knicks 98-74 Orlando Magic |
| 2023/24 Season | February 14, 2024 | Orlando Magic 118-100 New York Knicks |
| 2023/24 Season | January 15, 2024 | Orlando Magic 98-94 New York Knicks |
How is the season so far for both teams?
Orlando Magic
- Record: 18-12
- Home Form: 11-2
- Road Form: 7-10
The Orlando Magic eventually lost their 100%-win record at home after losing to the Knicks in their previous encounter. The Magic’s home record still is one of the best in the entire league, but the gap between the Boston Celtics and Eastern Conference leader the Cleveland Cavaliers has increased to a 6.5 game difference.
The best player who has helped with their impressive home form is Franz Wagner. The German-born talent has improved drastically in his points per game compared to his first three seasons with the team, and this season has posted a points-per-game average of 24.4. Wagner is the organisation’s leading point scorer and assister, but after tearing his right oblique against the Philadelphia 76ers, he is out until the new year.
Despite Wagner’s absence from the roster, the expected comeback of 22-year-old star Paolo Banchero should provide a huge helping hand to the Magic. Banchero has only played five games throughout the 2024/25 campaign before having a torn right oblique. At the start of November, his expected return was four to six weeks, but he has yet to make a return in any capacity. The days leading to Christmas should see him make a return to action, even if he starts on the bench.
New York Knicks
- Record: 18-10
- Home Form: 8-4
- Road Form: 10-6
The New York Knicks are currently on a three-match winning streak heading into the Christmas Day fixtures, but the Knicks have posted eight wins at home throughout the campaign thus far. The Knicks have played fewer games at home than those ahead of them in their conference but are the only team inside the top five seeds not to have won ten or more games at home.
The pairing of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns has been at the forefront of the Knicks this season. Both players are averaging 25.0 and 24.8 points per game respectively, which places them both inside the NBA top 20.
However, both players complement each other in other areas. Towns is the leader in the NBA in rebounds, with an impressive game average of 13.9, and is recording his best numbers in his career.
While he has been very efficient in shooting, Brunson’s strengths expand further. He has posted a seasonal average of 7.7, which has also played an essential part in the Knicks’ strong position in the table thus far. The Knicks’ acquisition of Towns prior to the season commencing has bolstered the team’s offensive options and helped with defensive steals and transitions.
Value Bets
Jalen Brunson: 25 Points and 5 Assists: Brunson’s offensive ability is unquestionably one of the team's best qualities. Throughout December, in particular, he has been the team's focal point and has played extended minutes throughout the month. In the last fortnight, in his games against the New Orleans Pelicans and the previous head-to-head game against the Orlando Magic, he has scored 39 and 31 points and had more than five assists, respectively.
Karl-Anthony Towns: Over 15 Rebounds: While Brunson helps the numbers offensively, Towns is their main rebounder in both offence and defence. Incredibly, the 29-year-old has posted over 10 rebounds in his last nine games. However, in key games, he has posted over 19 rebounds in his last four games. This aspect of Towns’ game has been crucial in reclaiming the ball and retaining possession, which has bolstered the Knicks’ record overall record this season.
Prediction: New York Knicks to Win
The New York Knicks are currently in red-hot form against the Orlando Magic, and SportsBoom predicts this trend will continue and win four in a row. The Knicks look like a strong and collective unit, and Towns and Brunson’s form shows no sign of stopping. The Magic are looking worse for wear, considering losing their two-star players due to injury. Their previous game was only separated by nine points come the end of the fourth quarter, and while they have had an impressive campaign thus far, the Knicks will edge them out again.
Henry Cheal is a versatile freelance sports journalist with extensive experience in the industry. Henry has previously worked at the 2024 World Snooker Championship and earned a Multimedia Sports Journalism degree from UCFB in 2023.
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