Magic vs Knicks

Jalen Brunson and the Knicks bring a 12-1 home record and six wins in their last seven into this matchup, facing a Magic group that has quietly gone 7-3 over its last 10 and already taken the first two meetings behind big nights from Franz Wagner and a now-healthy Paolo Banchero. New York’s recent surge has coincided with OG Anunoby’s return on the wing and Karl-Anthony Towns’ improved rim protection, though Towns’ calf issue and the absence of Landry Shamet are mild concerns compared to Orlando’s loss of Moritz Wagner up front. The Knicks’ combination of elite three-point volume and home-court dominance at MSG slightly outweighs Orlando’s paint-heavy attack and momentum, especially if Towns is close to full strength. With both teams profiling as top-tier Eastern contenders but New York owning the clear situational edge at home, I’m backing the Knicks at -165 on the moneyline with a solid but not spectacular B grade for likelihood and value. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 07/12/2025 09:37am

Franz Wagner’s recent scoring bursts and Orlando’s top-10 offense collide with a Knicks attack that’s averaging north of 120 points per game and just hung 146 on Utah, making this a clash of two efficient units rather than a grind-it-out defensive tilt. The Magic have gone 7-3 in their last 10 behind aggressive paint scoring and frequent trips to the line, while New York’s slow pace is offset by elite offensive efficiency and heavy three-point volume, which has helped drive several of its recent home games comfortably into the 230s. Both prior meetings between these teams this season have tilted toward high scoring, and with Banchero back in the fold and Towns stretching Orlando’s bigs to the perimeter, there are multiple paths to sustained offense even against two respectable defenses. Given the upward trend in both teams’ offensive numbers and the way this matchup has already played this year, I like Over 231.5 at -110 with a B grade, acknowledging some risk from the Knicks’ slower tempo but still seeing worthwhile upside. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 07/12/2025 09:37am

Orlando’s 7-3 surge, including two outright wins over New York this season, makes +3.5 attractive against a Knicks team that has been phenomenal at home but is still leaning on a recently reconfigured lineup with Karl-Anthony Towns nursing a calf issue and OG Anunoby just back from a hamstring strain. The Magic’s ability to generate paint points through Wagner, Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr., plus late-game shot creation from Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs, has already stressed New York’s interior defense in this matchup and should again keep them within one or two possessions. While the Knicks’ 12-1 home record and strong against-the-spread mark as a home favorite argue for another MSG cover, Orlando’s balanced scoring, improved road ATS profile, and familiarity from the first two meetings suggest this number is a touch generous to the favorite. I’ll grab the Magic +3.5 at -110 with a B- grade, expecting a tight contest where New York can still win while Orlando sneaks inside the number. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 07/12/2025 09:37am