The Orlando Magic (21-16) travel to face off against the New York Knicks (24-12) on Monday, January 6th. This game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York and televised on MSG. Both the Magic and Knicks will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 ET.

Magic vs Knicks

The Magic Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Orlando dropped to 21-16 on the season following a 105-92 loss to the Jazz on Sunday. The Magic, who were -8.5 point favorites at home, not only lost but failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 197 fell short of the 208.5 O/U line.

Orlando led 25-22 after the 1st quarter, but a 10-0 run by Utah turned the game. The Magic struggled offensively, scoring just 18 points in the 2nd quarter and 19 in the 3rd, leaving them trailing 71-62 going into the 4th. They put up 30 points in the final quarter but couldn’t close the gap as the Jazz scored 34.

The Knicks Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Knicks fell to 24-12 on the season after a 139-126 road loss to the Bulls on Saturday. New York, favored by 5.5 points, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 265 points went well over the pre-game line of 238.5.

New York started strong, going on an 11-0 run early and leading 72-63 at halftime. However, they were outscored 41-17 in the 3rd quarter, putting them in a 104-89 hole heading into the 4th. They edged out the Bulls 37-35 in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

Magic Offense Breakdown

The Magic struggled offensively in their loss to the Jazz, shooting just 35.7% from the field. Their three-point shooting was below average at 29.8%, though they did hit 14 threes overall.

Jett Howard led the Magic with 21 points, including 10 in the 4th quarter. Wendell Carter added 15 points, and Cole Anthony contributed 12.

Knicks Offense Breakdown

Karl-Anthony Towns poured in 44 points and 16 rebounds in the Knicks’ 139-126 loss to the Bulls, shooting 58.6% from the field and hitting 3 threes at a 42.9% clip. Jalen Brunson added 33 points and 8 assists, shooting 55% from the floor.

The Knicks shot 49.5% overall, but struggled from deep, hitting just 8 threes at 26.7%. Towns scored 25 points in the 4th quarter, while Brunson added 2, after scoring 26 combined in the 1st and 2nd quarters.

Magic Team Defense

Despite a strong start defensively, the Magic couldn’t hold off the Jazz in the 4th quarter, giving up 34 points in a 105-92 loss. Orlando allowed Utah to shoot 48% from the field, including 34% from three, where the Jazz hit 11 threes.

Orlando sent Utah to the line 18 times, where they made 16 free throws. The Magic gave up 11 offensive rebounds while recording 8 steals and 4 blocks.

Knicks Team Defense

Despite a strong defensive start, the Magic couldn’t keep the Jazz in check, allowing 34 points in the 4th quarter of their 105-92 loss. Orlando gave up 105 points on 48% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Magic allowed Utah to hit 11 threes at a 34% clip. The Jazz also went 16/18 from the free-throw line. Defensively, Orlando recorded 8 steals and 4 blocks.

Magic vs Knicks Trends

• In their last five games away from home, the Magic have a straight up record of 2-3 while going 2-3 vs. the spread. The team averaged 102 points per game in this stretch.
• When looking at their past ten home matchups, New York has an ATS record of 5-5 while averaging 115 per game. The team went 8-2 overall in these games.
• Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the underdog, the Magic have a straight up record of 2-8. Their record vs the spread in these games was 4-6.
• The Knicks have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 2-1 straight up and 2-1 against the spread.

Magic vs Knicks Prediction

For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Knicks to secure the win, with an expected final score of 134-79. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -11.5.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 209.5 and given that our model is projecting 213 points between the teams, we like the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.