Magic vs Knicks Picks & Predictions
Here's everything you need to know about Magic vs Knicks on Friday, March 8 — including my expert prediction and betting pick today.
The latest Magic vs Knicks odds have the Knicks listed as 1.5-point favorites on the spread with the game total over/under set at 204.5 total points at DraftKings Sportsbook. A key storyline to monitor is the status of Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, who is listed as questionable with a left knee contusion. Magic vs Knicks tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA League Pass.
Let's get to my Magic vs Knicks prediction and pick.
Magic vs Knicks Prediction
Pick: Magic +1.5 (-110)
Orlando Magic Betting Preview
Five straight wins, and eight of the last nine: The Orlando Magic are rolling!
This young team is rounding into full form. Paolo Banchero looks like an All-Star for the next decade, Franz Wagner is a very capable running mate and Jalen Suggs is a phenomenal defender who has also been knocking down shots.
We are also seeing the bigs get healthy: Wendell Carter Jr. and Mo Wagner are truly becoming a top-tier Centers rotation.
I like backing teams in the right spots going into Madison Square Garden. Normally I do not care about the narrative angles, but it is so obvious to see players get up and play harder for the MSG crowd.
New York Knicks Betting Preview
The Knicks are dropping in the standings for one reason: Health.
Julius Randle, OG Anunoby and Mitch Robinson seemingly still remain weeks away from returning. Jalen Brunson has been in and out of the lineup recently. Brunson was able to get through most of practice — so, I understand the optimism of him playing — but the dearth of information from the Knicks injury reports is nothing new.
I like the Magic whether or not Brunson plays. If indeed Brunson plays, then I trust Jalen Suggs to match up well with Brunson's extreme shiftiness. Suggs should be able to stay in front of Brunson and make his night difficult.
Magic vs Knicks Odds, Picks
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+2 -110 | 206.5 -112 / -108 | +110 |
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-2 -110 | 206.5 -112 / -108 | -130 |
The betting market is going to react to the Jalen Brunson news drop at shootaround on Friday afternoon. As of writing, all books have Magic +1.5, and there is no reason to bet it right now.
If Brunson participates in shootaround and is on track to be active, then this line likely reaches Magic +2.5 and is worth taking then. If we get word that Brunson does not seem like himself, then take the Magic right away because they would close as road favorites.
Continue to survey the market. If you see Magic +1 showing on the oddsboard, then grab the remaining +1.5. If you see Magic +1.5 as the consensus number, then wait it out.
Pick: Magic +1.5 (-110)
