Knicks vs Magic Preview

On Thursday night, the Orlando Magic will play host to the New York Knicks for an Eastern Conference matchup that has NBA playoff implications. New York leads by 2.5 games over sixth-place. After hosting their last contest and losing by four, New York has gone 4-2 against Orlando over the last six meetings; tipoff set for 7:00 PM Eastern time. Please note this article was written prior to New York's action in Miami.

Orlando currently holds a win-loss record of 30-43 this season, and they rank 18th in offensive execution with 47.1% shooting from the floor. As for points scored this year (811.7 per contest), they pull down 42.9 boards per game; dishing out assists 23.0 times per game (26th league), giving up possession 15.0 times per contest, committing 20.4 fouls each game while hitting 78.7% from the charity stripe.

The Orlando defense allows 35.3% from downtown (946 of 2,683) and opponents are making 79.3% of their shots from the free-throw line, ranking them 24th and 6th in basketball respectively. They surrender 26.0 assists per game and 41.9 boards per contest, ranking 24th and 6th, respectively in terms of assists allowed per game. Furthermore, Orlando ranks 17th overall in PPG allowed with 114.4; forcing 14.7 turnovers per game while allowing teams to shoot 47.9% from the floor (20th in league).

New York enters this matchup with a record of 42-31 for the season, averaging 115.4 points per contest (14th in league) while hitting 46.6% from the floor. They are connecting on 34.9% of their three-point attempts (902 of 2,583) and 76.8% from the free throw line as a team. As a unit, New York has collected 46.8 boards per game while collecting 1,631 dimes this year - 28th among NBA teams for passing accuracy; giving up possession 12.9 times per game while committing 20.6 fouls per contest as a unit.

On the defensive end of the court, the Knicks force 12.6 turnovers per game and draw 20.9 fouls. They allow 34.9% on 3-point shots while ranking 11th in points per game allowed (112.6). Their opponents boast a field goal percentage of 45.8% (2,965 of 6,477) and concede 42.5 rebounds per contest as a unit; furthermore, they rank 12th in basketball when it comes to giving up assists with 1,813 so far this season.

Head to Head

Knicks vs Magic Head-to-Head this season.

The Knicks have won both games this season.

Team Leaders

Our Betting Pick for Today

Betting on the game! Knicks +3

Though Orlando remains optimistic about entering the playoffs, they haven't won back-to-back games since early February. Meanwhile, New York has been on fire recently and will look to rebound after suffering a tough home loss. They should control the paint and limit Orlando on the boards while creating plenty of second-chance points. Orlando has become far too reliant on getting to the line while New York has shown they can play smothering defense without fouling. Check Fanduel for their latest offer.

Bet the under on this one as I think this number is way to high.

Knicks vs Magic How to Watch ??

?? Date: Thursday, March 23
?? Game Time: 7:00 pm
?? How to Watch: NBA
Venue: Amway center