The Orlando Magic continue to struggle with injuries, while the Knicks look rejuvenated. Behind inspired play by Julius Randle, the Knicks will be too much for the shorthanded Magic to handle.
Pick:
New York Knicks to Win ()
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How to Watch New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic
| New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic Information |
| What |
New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic |
| Where |
Amway Center, Orlando, FL |
| When |
7:00 PM EST, February 17th, 2021 |
| How to Watch |
MSG Network, Fox Sports Florida |
Head-to-Head: New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic
| New York Knicks |
Head-to-Head |
Orlando Magic |
| Tom Thibodeau |
Head Coach |
Steve Clifford |
| 14-15 (6th in East) |
Standing |
10-18 (12th in East) |
| W-W-W-L |
Form |
L-W-L-L-L |
| 108.9 (24th of 30) |
Off Rtg |
105.7 (28th of 30) |
| 108.3 (3rd of 30) |
Def Rtg |
112.7 (20th of 30) |
| 95.6 (30th of 30) |
Pace |
98.8 (20th of 30) |
|
Leaders (Per Game)
|
| J. Randle (23.1) |
PPG |
N. Vucevic (23.7) |
| J. Randle (11.0) |
RPG |
N. Vucevic (11.4) |
| J. Randle (5.6) |
APG |
M. Fultz (5.4) |
| D. Rose (1.3) |
SPG |
N. Vucevic (1.1) |
| N. Noel (2.0) |
BPG |
A. Gordon (0.8) |
| M. Robinson (.660)/J. Randle (8.0) |
FG%/FGM |
M. Bamba (.520)/N. Vucevic (9.4) |
| F. Ntilikina (.556)/A. Burks (2.0) |
3P%/3PM |
K. Mane (.500)/N. Vucevic (2.7) |
New York Must Prevent Easy Baskets
It’s simple to say, but with Orlando’s severe lack of available players, the Knicks can’t afford to give them a break on defense. Already solid defending the interior, the Knicks must make it a point to limit All-Star Nikola Vucevic.
The Knicks are third overall at points allowed in the paint at just 42.4. The combination of Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle has proven intimidating to even the best offenses in the league.
The Magic are struggling mightily at the moment, with up to seven players possibly unavailable for this matchup. Defining their defensive stand early can ensure the Knicks’ victory.
Editor’s Picks
Shooting is Priority Number One
Orlando Magic has the potential to be a strong defensive team but is missing a number of key players for this match. They’ll need to make up the difference from range, a place where they struggled last time out.
The Magic were six of 35 from three in their last game against the Phoenix Suns. They’ll need to do much better against the Knicks, who excel at protecting the paint.
Their only dangerous shooters, should their lineup stay the same, are Terrence Ross and Nikola Vucevic. Manufacturing good opportunities in the flow of the offense will be their best step toward victory.
Knicks Key Player: (F) Julius Randle
The New York Knicks have been playing better than we’ve seen in a number of years. Much of their success is due to the emergence of Julius Randle, who has been putting forth All-Star levels of production.
In his last match against the Hawks, Randle looked fantastic. He posted 44 points, nine rebounds, and five assists on 63.6% shooting from the field.
The Magic don’t have anyone that can contain him and, outside of Khem Birch, have no rim protectors of any consequence. Randle’s inside-out game looks set to earn him another big night!
Magic Key Player: (C) Nikola Vucevic
When you look at the Orlando Magic, you could almost pity them due to their poor run of health. But with Nikola Vucevic leading them in the paint, they are still incredibly dangerous.
Vucevic already has 12 games where he’s scored 25 points or more, including two forty-plus games this season.
While Vucevic’s last game was one of his worst of the season, he holds an advantage over any of his matchups on the Knicks. Able to score from outside and in the paint, Vucevic is a puzzle that is difficult to solve. If he’s able to create opportunities for his teammates, the Magic may have a chance.
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