NY Knicks – ORL Magic

New York Knicks will host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday evening / Wednesday morning (European time). Both teams are struggling and will look to return to playoff contention in the Easern Conference with a victory tonight.

The Knicks (16-17, 11-5 home) are on a 4 match losing streak and it seems that this will be another disappointing year for New York. They are on the back of a 7 point loss against Houston on the road, 2 days ago, in a match where New York has been surprisingly competitive. However, they payed the price for that effort with injuries, as Anthony, Porzingis and Lee are all doubtful ahead of this clash with Orlando.

The Magic (15-20, 8-9 away) will be on the second night of a back to back tonight in New York, after they lost by 13 points in Indiana just 24 hours ago. Orlando has been very poor in the last two matches, losing both of them, but they will draw confidence from their decent away record and from the fact that New York might not be at full strength.

This one is all about New York’s injuries, as they might miss their two best players in Anthony and Porzingis, while another reliable starter, Lee, is questionable himself. New York has one of the worst benches in the NBA so if 2 of these guys won`t play, the hosts will be in big trouble.

It`s unclear if Porzingis, Anthony and Lee will sit out, but it`s very unlikely for all to play. Anthony is the biggest question mark and chances are he will not be forced, especially considering that he`s an aging player with a history of injuries. I would guess Anthony sits out, while Porzingis and Lee might or might not play – but even if they do, they will probably be limited in minutes.

New York in this kind of form should not be favored by more than 6-7 points against Orlando anyway, as they are not good enough to be considered large favorites against almost anybody – and Magic are a decent side. When you add the potential missing players, there`s clearly value to be taken on the Magic. Orlando is on a back to back on the road so that will work against them, but they will definitely be eager to take advantage of the circumstances.

As long as at least one of New York’s top guys sits out (as is widely expected), this value bet has a good chance to become a winning bet as well. My tip is Orlando Magic to cover the 6 point spread with medium-high stakes. Prediction: New York Knicks – Orlando Magic 98-99.

Pick: Magic +6
Odds: 1.86 @ 1xBet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 6.02
Event date: 2 January