All Knicks

Knicks Face Win-and-In Game in NBA Cup

The New York Knicks have a simple clinching scenario in the Emirates NBA Cup.

Jeremy Brener

Mar 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) celebrates after scoring in the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Mar 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) celebrates after scoring in the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
In this story:

The New York Knicks are set to play in their fourth and final Emirates NBA Cup game tonight against the Orlando Magic, and the team has a simple message for the matchup: win.

At 3-0 in group play coming into tonight's game, the Knicks can clinch East Group A with a win over the Magic. It's the only way the Knicks can qualify for the knockout round.

The Magic are also win and in after beating the Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets en route to a perfect start to their NBA Cup. However, with a +60 point differential, the Magic can also qualify as the Eastern Conference's Wild Card if they win the point differential tiebreaker over the East Group B runner-up, whether it be the Milwaukee Bucks or the Detroit Pistons.

The Knicks started off their NBA Cup journey with a convincing 12-point win against the 76ers. However, they have come down to the wire in their games against the Nets and Hornets, winning both of those games by a combined three points. Those close outcomes could come back to bite them in the butt when it is all said and done. It's why they have to win tonight rather than maybe lose by a little.

The Magic have been the best team in the entire tournament through three games. Winning all three of their games by double digits has put them in prime position to win the group if they can find a way past the Knicks tonight. They certainly present a massive challenge for the Knicks as they look to play spoiler on the road at Madison Square Garden.

Tipoff for tonight's game between the Magic and Knicks is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game can be watched on TNT and streamed on Max.

Make sure you bookmark New York Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Published
Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

Home/News