Magic vs Knicks Predictions: Bet Magic +4.5 in NBA Cup Matchup on December 03
- Get the best Magic vs Knicks odds at BetUS.
- The Magic are the hottest team in the league, with 12 wins in their last 13 games.
- The Magic have also covered nine of their last 10 games.
- Get my top Magic vs Knicks predictions ahead.
The second NBA in-season tournament ends soon, with crucial games played down the stretch. Now named the Emirates NBA Cup, the winner of East: Group A will be decided in a matchup between the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks. They will secure a spot in the knockout rounds, affecting NBA game predictions today.
The Magic are not only 3-0 in NBA Cup play but are one of the hottest teams in the league. They have won 12 of their last 13 games, most recently beating the Brooklyn Nets 100-92.
The Knicks also won their last game, decisively beating the New Orleans Pelicans 118-85. Neither of these wins should affect BetUS Sportsbook much, as the Magic and Knicks were expected to win.
However, the point differential will be important in this matchup. The Knicks must win this game to advance to the knockout stage because their point differential is only 16. The Magic could make it through with a Wild Card spot if they lose this game because their point differential is 60.
Magic vs Knicks Game Information
- Game: Orlando Magic (15-7) vs. New York Knicks (12-8)
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- Day/Time: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Magic vs Knicks Live Stream: TNT
Get the latest Magic vs Knicks betting trends here.
Magic vs Knicks Analysis and Top 2 Bets
1. Bet Orlando Magic ATS (+4.5)
This season has been surprising for the Magic because while they made the playoffs last season, they ran into some speed bumps early on. Paolo Banchero got off to a hot start in 2024-25 but only played in the opening five games of the season. In Banchero’s last two appearances, he had 50 and 31 points before getting hurt.
After Banchero went down with an oblique injury, which should keep him off the court for four to six weeks, the Magic lost four straight. However, since that losing streak, the Magic have headlined NBA news as the hottest team in the league, with only one loss in their previous 13 games.
The Magic are 11-1 since Paolo Banchero exited the lineup due to a torn oblique.
Franz Wagner has looked the part of a superstar over that stretch for Orlando:
27.2 points
7.0 assists
5.8 rebounds
2.3 steals
58.5 TS%Once Banchero returns, Orlando has true Finals potential. pic.twitter.com/eOI9xXmIHo
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) November 30, 2024
Over these last 13 games, Franz Wagner has taken on the mantle of being the Magic’s offensive leader. Wagner is averaging 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. The next leading scorer is Jalen Suggs, at 13.7.
However, the Magic’s defense is why they are an option in NBA betting predictions to cover this spread. Over the last 13 games, they have the best defensive rating (101.1), allowing 97.2 points per game. The next best team is giving up 106.1 points per game, firmly making the Magic the best defense during that time. The last time we made a bet on the Magic, we went against them, but they have covered in nine of their last ten games.
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2. Magic vs Knicks Under 215
While the Magic have the best defensive rating over the last 13 games, the Knicks have the best offensive rating, at 122.5. The two styles will clash in this crucial game in the NBA Cup.
Because this is not a must-win game for the Magic, that could make this game interesting. However, the Magic are still a young team looking to prove themselves within the Eastern Conference as a legitimate contender. That is why it is hard to back them to win straight up but still able to cover the NBA spread.
On the other hand, the Knicks also have something to prove. They rebuilt their roster this season, making it top-heavy by trading for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, plus re-signing OG Anunoby to a massive deal. That was an offseason after being a game away from the Eastern Conference Finals.
Mikal Bridges breakout game in the @nyknicks W!
🗽 31 PTS (season high)
🗽 12-19 FGM
🗽 7-12 3PM pic.twitter.com/6XIukaUBQr— NBA (@NBA) December 2, 2024
Bridges has yet to live up to his trade value but started to show glimpses in the win over the Pelicans. He finished that game with a team-high 31 points, making seven 3s.
Looking at the points total for NBA betting can be risky for this matchup, as one of the hottest offenses will face the best defense. However, the Knicks’ defense allows 111.5 points per game, which should help this game hit the under.
Bet This Pick: Magic vs Knicks Under 215
Questions of the Day
Who is going to be the leading scorer in this game?
The leading scorer will probably be a Knicks player, but there are too many options. The Knicks’ best outside threat, Jalen Brunson, could have a big night.
Is there a prop bet to pay attention to?
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been a Magic player, recently getting a more significant offensive role, which could lead to him hitting the over on his points total.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
