New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic Picks and Predictions December 3rd 2024

New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic December 3rd 2024

At 7:30 ET, the Knicks (-200) will host the Magic (+168) in a matchup between two of the Eastern Conference’s top teams. New York is favored by 5 points, and the over/under line is set at 215.5.

The Knicks (12-8) are currently on a two-game win streak and sit fourth in the East. Orlando (15-7) has won six straight and is third in the conference.

Magic vs. Knicks Key Information

The Magic improved to 15-7 on the season with a 100-92 road win over the Nets on Sunday. Orlando entered the game as -6.5 point favorites and covered the spread with the eight-point win.

After trailing 29-26 at the end of the 1st quarter, the Magic took control by outscoring the Nets 24-21 in the 2nd and 25-19 in the 3rd. They entered the 4th quarter with a 75-69 lead and held on by edging the Nets 25-23 in the final period. The combined score of 192 points fell short of the O/U line of 206.5 by 14.5 points.

In their win over the Nets, the Magic struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 25% of their threes and making only 7 in total. Their overall shooting percentage was 45.9%, and they finished with 100 points.

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Franz Wagner led the way with 20 points, despite shooting just 23.5% from the field, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 16 points, hitting 4 threes at a 44.4% rate. Wendell Carter Jr. was perfect from the field, contributing 14 points.

Despite a slow start, the Magic tightened up defensively after the 1st quarter, allowing just 63 points over the final three periods to secure a 100-92 win over the Nets. Orlando’s defense was particularly strong in the 3rd quarter, where they held Brooklyn to just 19 points.

Overall, the Magic limited the Nets to 38% shooting from the field, including just 8 made threes on 25% shooting. Orlando also recorded 10 steals and 11 blocks in the game.

With a dominant 118-85 win over the Pelicans on Sunday, the Knicks improved to 12-8 for the season. Playing at home, New York entered the game as -12 favorites and covered the spread with ease. The combined score of 203 points fell short of the 224-point O/U line.

New York set the tone early, going on a 12-0 run to extend their lead from 4-3 to 16-3. They held the Pelicans to just 10 points in the 1st quarter and led 93-56 going into the 4th, allowing the Pelicans to outscore them 29-25 in the final period.

Mikal Bridges led the Knicks to a win over the Pelicans, hitting 7 threes at 58.3% and finishing with 31 points, including 13 in the 1st quarter and 12 in the 3rd. The Knicks made 20 threes as a team, shooting 44.4% from deep.

Jalen Brunson added 16 points, with 9 coming in the 2nd quarter, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 14 points and 19 rebounds, scoring 10 in the 3rd. The Knicks shot 45.7% from the field overall.

The Knicks’ defense was dominant on Sunday, holding the Pelicans to just 85 points. New York set the tone early, giving up only 10 points in the 1st quarter and 18 in the 2nd. Even as New Orleans picked up the pace in the 3rd and 4th quarters, the Knicks’ defense stayed strong.

New York limited the Pelicans to 37% shooting, including just 14% from beyond the arc, where New Orleans made only 4 threes. The Knicks also sent the Pelicans to the line 17 times, where they hit 11 free throws. Defensively, the Knicks grabbed 46 rebounds, allowed 13 offensive boards, and added 10 steals and 9 blocks.

For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Knicks to secure the win, with an expected final score of 124-97. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 215.5 and our model has the Magic and Knicks finishing with a combined 221 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Knicks Host Magic with Both Vying for Key NBA Cup Win

High Stakes for East Group A Title

The Orlando Magic and New York Knicks will battle for more than just bragging rights on Tuesday night when they clash for the East Group A title and a spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. This game, the first meeting of the season between the two Eastern Conference contenders, carries significant implications for both teams.

Both squads enter the contest with a 3-0 record in Group A play, and while the Knicks must win to secure the automatic berth, the Magic have a slim margin for error. Even with a loss, Orlando could earn a wild-card berth depending on the game’s margin or an overtime result.

Magic’s Winning Ways

The Magic are surging, having won six straight games, including a gritty 100-92 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. Despite being whistled for a season-high 29 fouls, Orlando held its composure in the fourth quarter, using a 17-9 run to seal the win.

“To be able to withstand whatever was happening throughout the game and not lose our heads … says a lot about the growth of a team that understands what we’re trying to accomplish,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said.

Orlando has been resilient despite the absence of Paolo Banchero, who hasn’t played since Oct. 30 due to a torn right oblique. The team has won 12 of its last 13 games, including nine by double digits, proving its depth and adaptability.

Knicks Seek Consistency

The Knicks, fresh off a dominant 118-85 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, are aiming to build momentum and consistency. Mikal Bridges, who scored 11 unanswered points during a 23-1 first-quarter run, led New York’s effort in the rout.

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New York, which reached the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, has struggled to find steady footing with a revamped roster that includes Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby. While the team has yet to string together more than two consecutive wins this season, Sunday’s victory may be a turning point.

“It’s a new team, that’s pretty much it,” Bridges said. “Just something we had to adjust to and it’s just going to take time.”

Playoff Atmosphere Preview

The stakes on Tuesday may be a preview of more meaningful battles to come in the spring, with the Magic and Knicks currently occupying third and fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Both teams are showcasing the type of talent and depth that could make them contenders in a deeper playoff run.

For now, though, all focus will be on securing a critical win in the NBA Cup, with both squads looking to leave Madison Square Garden with more than just confidence but a tangible step closer to the tournament title.