Knicks Conclude Road Trek

The New York Knicks are concluding a quick road trek in this one. New York has been playing decent recently. They beat Milwaukee by a narrow 125-122 score on Christmas in a bout that had them as a three-point dog. Next, the Knicks were 3.5-point dogs in a 129-120 road loss against Oklahoma City on Wednesday. The Knicks have covered the spread in three of their last five clashes.

Jalen Brunson is hot, sinking at least 30 points in two of his last three games. The 27-year-old point guard scored 24 points on Wednesday and has issued an average of 26 PPG on 48% shooting. He averaged a solid 23 points in two meetings against the Magic last season. Julius Randle is consistently producing, sinking at least 24 points in five straight bouts. The 29-year-old power forward is averaging a stellar 26 points this month and 22.9 PPG and 9.4 RPG on the season. RJ Barrett netted 14 points on Wednesday. The 23-year-old shooting guard is posting an average of 18.2 PPG.

The Knicks are 3-2 in their last five road bouts, covering on three occasions in that span including a win against the Suns. New York is scoring an average of 115.2 points on the season, ranking them 15th. They have allowed over 120 points in three consecutive games. The squad is conceding an average of 112.9 points, good for 12th in the NBA.

Magic Seek Rebound After Home Loss

The Orlando Magic continue to prove they are to be taken seriously. Orlando has won two of their last three games to climb atop the division along with the Heat. The Magic beat the Wizards by a 127-119 score to cover the seven-point spread on Tuesday and were marked 2.5 favorites in an ugly 112-92 loss to the 76ers on Wednesday. The Magic have covered the spread in three of their last four decisions.

Paolo Banchero continues to deliver, netting at least 23 points in three of his last four games. The 21-year-old power forward is now sporting an average of 21.2 PPG. He averaged 19.3 points in three meetings against the Knicks last season. Franz Wagner is clicking, recording at least 24 points in four straight bouts. The 22-year-old forward has improved his season average to 20.6 PPG and 5.8 RPG. Cole Anthony is slumping, shooting below 40% in three straight clashes. The 23-year-old point guard has registered an average of 14.5 PPG.

The Magic are 3-2 in their last five home decisions, including a win against the Cavaliers and a loss against the Heat. They covered only twice in that span. Orlando is averaging 112.9 points per game, ranking them 22nd. They have conceded 115 or more points in three of their last five bouts and are holding opponents to 110.6 points, positioning them seventh.