The Knicks were already just trying to hold on until OG Anunoby and Julius Randle return, and didn't need Jalen Brunson (knee) to also be slowed and miss Tuesday's loss vs. Atlanta. (Brunson a likely game-time decision tonight.) Numbers don't lie; depleted NY has lost 8 of 11, as it's not the same team that briefly became the talk of the league after Anunoby's addition. Remember, ascending Orlando beat the full-strength Knicks at MSG on January 15, and did so easier vs. a compromised NY on Valentine's Day. The Magic remains on course to avoid the play-in round, winning five straight and eight of nine, and now Jalen Suggs (19 on Wednesday vs. Wiz) more consistently joining in the fun. Play Magic

Banchero has loved facing the Knicks this season, even before New York became compromised by significant injuries. Bachero piled up 42 PRA in one meeting and 49 in the other. He's at 43 plus in three of the last four games. Shooting the ball well from range and a threat to drive and penetrate himself. Very active on the boards and playing a strong all-around game against a team he seems to love to face.

Wagner's shooting slump is over and he is facing a team that, over the last 15 games, is 29th in opposing 3-point efficiency. Wagner is shooting 44% from 3 vs the Knicks this season and he just went 3/7 behind the arc at Washington. Expect him to come out firing

The Knicks remain far from full health and their issues both interior scoring and defending he perimeter are very real. They are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 overall and 0-8 ATS in their last 8 at home, failing to cover by margins of: 17.5, 7.5, 16.5, 9, 8, 11, 7.5, 3.5 and 10. Not close. And Vegas still struggles to peg the Magic, home and road. They are on a 5-0 ATS tear and 12-4 in their last 16. Even when they have depleted lineups and start slowly they are finding ways to take care of lesser teams and I don't think this will be an exception. Having Wendel Carter Jr back would be a boost. NYK 1-6 SU last 7 at MSG