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Magic Open Door for Knicks Bounce Back

The Orlando Magic are coming into town to face the New York Knicks.

Jeremy Brener

Dec 27, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) is fouled by Orlando Magic guard Cory Joseph (10) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Dec 27, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) is fouled by Orlando Magic guard Cory Joseph (10) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images / Mike Watters-Imagn Images
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The New York Knicks have lost two straight games, but they have a golden opportunity to get back in the win column tonight with the Orlando Magic in town.

The Knicks beat the Magic three times in December, including once in the NBA Cup the last time the two teams met at Madison Square Garden.

The Magic are coming off the first night of a back-to-back where they lost against the rebuilding Utah Jazz. The Magic scored just 92 points against the Jazz on 35.7 shooting from the field despite Utah being one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA.

Orlando's problem is the opposite of New York's. The Knicks' defense has been an issue over their two-game losing streak, but they do get a slight pass as they played the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have the best record in the Western Conference by a chunk of games.

The Magic have been one of the better defensive teams in the NBA, so they should keep the Knicks on their toes. However, they will be running on tired legs with a group that has been marred by a number of injuries.

Not only are Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner still out with torn obliques, but Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black are dealing with back spasms. Veteran guard Gary Harris is out with a hamstring injury as well and Moe Wagner is out for the season after tearing his ACL last month.

The game shouldn't be a cake walk as the Magic always play tough, but the Knicks should be able to pull out the win if they execute their game plan and go back to their identity.

The Magic and Knicks are set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET tonight inside Madison Square Garden. The game can be watched on MSG.

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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.

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