Meet the Opponent: Rematch with Knicks Opens Magic's Lengthy Homestand

The Orlando Magic start a seven-game stretch at home that carries them through the end of 2024. The first opponent in that span: the New York Knicks, who bring a high-powered offense and thoughts of replicating a thorough thrashing of Orlando from nearly two weeks ago.

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) fights for a rebound against New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and forward Mikal Bridges (25) and guard Josh Hart (3) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

ORLANDO, Fla. – Sunday night, the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks meet for the first time since the Dec. 3 beatdown in Madison Square Garden. Tipoff from the Kia Center is at 6 p.m. ET.

In that previous contest – one that had an extra sense of pomp and circumstance given that a national TV audience was watching a pivotal NBA Cup group play matchup – New York quickly overwhelmed its visitor and made victory certain by the early portion of the third quarter.

The Magic are a different team than they were just a week and a half ago. They've since lost Franz Wagner to a torn right oblique – the same ailment that's kept Paolo Banchero out of action for a month and a half. Wagner scored 30 points in that contest versus New York in early December.

Yet Orlando has lumbered forward, splitting results versus Phoenix and Milwaukee as they continue to adjust to life without either of their star forwards on the floor together. For the Magic's third-ranked defense, the task of containing the Knicks' second-ranked offense will be mighty.

But, the Magic get the home-court advantage of the Kia Center – a building they haven't lost in since March of last season. They stand as the NBA's last unbeaten on their home floor – and Sunday's contest tips off a seven-game homestand that closes out 2024 in the city beautiful.

About the Knicks

• Karl-Anthony Towns: 24.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 52.9 FG%, 44.2 3PT%
• Jalen Brunson: 24.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 49.1 FG%, 42.9 3PT%
• OG Anunoby: 17.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 47.8 FG%, 35.7 3PT%
• Mikal Bridges: 17.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 48.1 FG%, 33.9 3PT%
• Josh Hart: 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 59.6 FG%, 40.7 3PT%
• Miles McBride: 10.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 45.2 FG%, 41.0 3PT%

MORE: Magic-Knicks Injury Report – who's in, who's out for Orlando and New York Sunday night?

• 5th net rating (#2 offense, #17 defense)
• 2nd eFG% (58.0), 16th opp. eFG% (54.3)
• 27th FTA rate (.227), 8th opp. FTA rate (.226)
• 5th TOV%, (13.2), 25th opp. TOV% (13.2)
• 2nd 3PT% (39.3)
• 7th points/game (117.0)
• 7-6 in road games
• +1.5 point differential on the road
• Knicks lead season series 1-0

New York boasts one of the most well-rounded offensive attacks in the league, and their defense has improved over the last few weeks from bottom third in the league to near-median numbers.

In order to avoid a repeat of the first matchup between these two teams, limiting stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns will be key. But, as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said Saturday, they'll also have to stick to their gameplan.

Last time, that was to run the NBA's second-best three-point shooting team (by percentage) off the line and force tough twos. But the Magic offense couldn't keep pace when the Knicks made 15 threes and had six scorers at or over 11 points.

Orlando was handily beaten in the first matchup of strength-on-strength. They'll look to turn the tide on Sunday evening.

Related Stories on the Orlando Magic

• MAGIC PLAYERS WHO CAN & CAN'T BE TRADED: Trade season opened on Sunday as many players who signed contracts this offseason became eligible to be dealt. Here's an overview of who can and cannot be traded for the Magic this year. CLICK HERE
• MAGIC-KNICKS TV INFO: How to watch Orlando and New York square off on Sunday evening. CLICK HERE
• MAGIC-KNICKS INJURY REPORT: Who's in, who's out for Orlando and New York on Sunday? CLICK HERE
• SATURDAY MAGIC NOTEBOOK: Orlando held it's second consecutive day of practice for the first time since training camp on Saturday afternoon. Notes and quotes –> CLICK HERE
• ORLANDO'S 'INVALUABLE' HOMESTAND: Orlando finally has time off and can settle in at home. Here's why coach Jamahl Mosley said that's 'invaluable' for this Magic team. CLICK HERE
• LATEST STATUSES FROM FRIDAY'S PRACTICE: Paolo Banchero didn't practice Friday, but Jonathan Isaac and Gary Harris were each involved with the team's Friday session. CLICK HERE
• OSCEOLA CHECK-IN: The latest news and notes surrounding the Magic's G League affiliate Osceola Magic. CLICK HERE
• NBA TAKING NOTICE OF MAGIC'S RESOLVE: Down their two best players, the Magic are still turning heads with their impressive play nearly a third of the way into the NBA season. CLICK HERE
• NEXT MAN UP MENTALITY FACES TOUGHEST TEST YET: Orlando is navigating a new normal without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in the fold because of torn obliques. Now, the "real version" of their next-man-up mantra faces its toughest test. CLICK HERE
• MAGIC'S 2024-25 SCHEDULE: See the complete slate for the Orlando Magic in 2024-25 and all the details – dates, locations, TV, tip times, and more – that you need to know. CLICK HERE

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