The Knicks are 5-2 over their last seven games with four of those wins coming by at least five points. That included a 15-point win over the Magic in New York. This game will be played in Orlando, where the Magic have thrived this season. However, they are missing their two best scorers in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner because of injuries. I don’t think that they have enough firepower to keep this close.

Until further notice, the Magic will have to continue minus both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, but to this point all indicators are that Orlando is very resilient. Jamahl Mosley has been able to drill some basics into his young squad, which even minus its two big guns will still play defense with resolution and hit the boards with ferocity. Orlando remained the NBA's only unbeaten team at home this season in a recent win over the Suns in which Jalen Suggs took over as the top scorer with 26 points. Note, however, Tom Thibodeau did get the best of the Magic in an easy win at MSG on December 3, and will never mind getting involved in a grinder. Play Knicks-Magic Under

The Magic are a superior defensive team and that makes them nearly impervious at home. They are undefeated there and 9-1 ATS. They are third in the NBA in defensive net rating. They are never a home dog for good reason and they have covered like a demon at home since the start of last season. The Knicks are just 5-8 ATS on the road and 1-4 in their last 5. I don't think they win this basketball game. Magic have covered at home on average by 7.4 points per game. Magic lost by 15 at The Garden and will be better off for it here at home. They were getting 5 points there on the road but are getting 5 again now at home?

I get that the Knicks are never a dog, because, well, they are never a dog. But New York's finest are just 5-5 in their last 10 on the road, and the Magic are a wagon at home. They lead the NBA at +14.4 at home, Orlando is playing great ball and 10-0 at home. Maybe I am missing something here but we have been riding the Magic at home since last season and the Knicks defensive deficiencies show up most on the road (26th in D net rating). Magic will be up for this. They will hold Knicks scoring in check.