The Orlando Magic (15-7) and New York Knicks (12-8) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden in New York. The game will be broadcast live on TNT.
The Knicks are 4.5-point favorites over the Magic on the spread (Knicks -4.5), with the over/under set at 215.5 total points. New York is a -190 favorite to win outright, while Orlando is +160 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Magic vs. Knicks predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, December 3.
Magic vs. Knicks Picks, Prediction
Spread
My best bet for this matchup is the Magics +5 in my same game parlay.
Moneyline
I will not be betting on the the moneyline.
Over/Under
I'm staying away from the total in tonight's matchup.
My Pick: Magic +5
Magic vs Knicks Odds
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 215.5 -110o / -110u | +160 |
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 215.5 -110o / -110u | -190 |
- Magic vs Knicks spread: Knicks -4.5
- Magic vs Knicks over/under: 215.5 points
- Magic vs Knicks moneyline: Knicks -190, Magic +160
- Magic vs Knicks best bet: Magic +5
Magic vs. Knicks Preview
The New York Knicks host the Orlando Magic in a decisive matchup between two teams with the East Group A title on the line. While the Magic are near lock to advance due to the massive edge in point differential they've amassed, the Knicks would be eliminated with a loss.
This matchup pits two teams that are very evenly matched with both teams at +4.2 in Adjusted Net Rating (tied 6th); however, their paths to that number have been wildly different. The Knicks are all offense with the second-best Adjusted Offensive Rating in the league (117.5), with just the 16th-ranked defense (113.3). The Magic have struggled offensively (110.5 – 23rd) but are dominant on the defensive side of the ball with the second-best Defense (106.3), per Dunks and Threes.
The big story for the Magic has been Franz Wagner. Without Paolo, he has blossomed into a number 1 option for this team (albeit a 23rd ranked offense). He is averaging 25.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 6.1 rebounds without Paolo this season and has led Orlando to a 12-5 record. But looking at the wins, I am a bit skeptical given the quality of those opponents: the Sixers without Maxey, the Suns without Durant and Beal, and the Pacers, the Nets, the Pelicans – the Lakers might be the best win. However, the Knicks are in a similar situation, where they have struggled against some of the top teams this year and both teams have some of the softest Strength of Schedules this season.
Both teams are strong rebounders, and both play at the bottom 5 Paces in the league so we could be set up for a half-court slog. Orlando is just 1-4 this season when playing teams with a Top 10 Offense and the Knicks are 0-4 when playing teams with a Top 10 defense. Both teams are a bit out of their element.
Magic vs. Knicks Prediction
Considering I have these teams so evenly matched, it's impossible for me to get away from grabbing the points with the road dog. I would play this down to +3.5.
As for a SGP, I think this game will be tough for several players; however, Karl-Anthony Towns has been a double-double machine so I would take 10+ Rebounds, and Jalen Brunson 20+ points as I expect his usage to be off the charts in this spot. I'd put those together with the Magic +5 for a slight negative correlation.
Best Bet: Magic +5
Same Game Parlay: Magic +5, KAT 10+ Rebounds, Brunson 20+ Points
Knicks vs Magic Betting Trends
