New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic
PREVIEW: The New York Knicks (15-7) welcome in the Orlando Magic (14-9) after victories in five straight home games. The Knicks have nine wins and one loss in the last 10 games at home, averaging 126.90 points on offense and surrendering 110.90 on defense. New York's defensive foundation is built on exceptional rebounding ranked first league-wide, limiting rim attacks to just the third-best allowed rate, while their efficient perimeter shooting ranks fourth overall. The Knicks dominated Utah Jazz 146-112 at Madison Square Garden, with Jalen Brunson scoring 33 points while Miles McBride finished with 22 and Karl-Anthony Towns 18.
The Magic have triumphed in their previous three meetings against the Knicks. Orlando is 5-5 in their last 10 games on the road, posting 122.20 points per contest while yielding 117.30. Defensively, the Magic rank second in limiting three-point attempts allowed and second in free throw rate, though they allow the 25th-most rim attacks while ranking 27th in three-point shooting efficiency. The Magic have won 10 of their last 13 games, sneaking past the Heat in a thrilling 106-105 home win with Franz Wagner leading the team with 32 points on 12 of 22 shooting.