The New York Knicks and Orlando Magic meet in the NBA Cup semifinals with a trip to the final on the line. New York arrives at 17-7 after an impressive road win over Toronto, while Orlando sits at 15-10 and is playing at home despite dealing with major injury turbulence. 

This is the fourth and final meeting between the teams, with the Magic holding a 2-1 season series lead. The storyline centres on Orlando’s ability to survive without Franz Wagner and whether Jalen Brunson can once again break through the Magic’s elite, physical defence.

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Knicks vs. Magic NBA Betting Odds

The Knicks enter as 4.5-point favourites on the NBA odds board, but their road form has been shaky. New York is just 4-6 SU and 3-7 ATS away from home, while Orlando has won eight of their last nine contests in front of their fans.

Total bettors should note that both clubs trend slightly toward the Under in these situations, with Orlando playing lower-scoring games at home and the Knicks struggling to find a consistent offensive rhythm on the road. New York has cashed the Under in seven of their last nine, while Orlando has done the same in five of their last six. The Magic’s league-best ability to limit three-point attempts is also a major factor in this matchup.

New York Knicks

New York’s offence has been one of the most efficient units in the league, ranking in the top three in offensive efficiency and near the top in made three-pointers per game. Jalen Brunson continues to be the driving force; he’s coming off a 35-point outing in Toronto and has scored 30+ points in all three meetings with Orlando this season. 

The concern for New York is consistency outside of Brunson, especially on the road. Despite covering only three times in ten road games, the Knicks have seen balanced scoring from their starters and have controlled the glass well in recent contests, which gives them a path to success if they can generate second-chance points.

Orlando Magic

Orlando enters this semifinal in a complicated spot. Paolo Banchero has just returned from a groin injury and is still ramping up, while Franz Wagner, their most reliable scorer, is sidelined with a high ankle sprain. That shifts the offensive burden to Banchero, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs, while Anthony Black’s versatility becomes even more important. 

The Magic showed their depth in the quarterfinal win over Miami, shooting extremely well from three and getting double-figure scoring from every starter. Their defensive identity remains their biggest strength, especially their ability to take away perimeter looks and play with physicality.

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Knicks vs. Magic?

This shapes up as a tight, grind-it-out playoff-style game. The Knicks have the best individual player in this matchup in Brunson, and he should once again find his scoring opportunities. However, Orlando’s defence, home-court feel, defensive rebounding, and ability to limit three-point volume directly attack New York’s biggest offensive strengths.

With Wagner out, the Magic should play at a slightly slower tempo and lean into defence. The value sits with the home underdog and the lower total, with the Knicks expected to prevail.