Knicks vs Magic: 5 Enchanting Questions With an Orlando Expert
The New York Knicks won't have to do much to recapture the Magic on Friday night, at least in a literal sense.
Manhattan meets central Florida on Friday as New York (36-26) faces the Orlando Magic in a Friday showdown (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG) that would serve as a playoff series if the season ended today. Orlando (37-26) enters with the longest active winning streak in the NBA at five games and is one of the few teams to truly stymie the Knicks this season: with one more win, the Magic will pick up its first four-game season series sweep of New York since 2001-02.
In anticipation of Friday's get-together, All Knicks spoke to Magic Insider editor Jeremy Brener about the past, present, and future of the New York-Orlando matchup ...
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Q: It's safe to say the Magic have the Knicks' number this year. What's the biggest reason (beyond injuries) why they have a 3-0 record against New York?
The Magic's size has really benefitted them against the Knicks. They've either tied or won the rebounding battle in each game of the season series thus far. The Magic boast one of the biggest starting lineups in the NBA, with three players standing 6-10 or taller, making a tall challenge for the Knicks.
Q: If the season ended today, Orlando would be hosting a playoff series; is this team simply overachieving or is it truly a contender?
Once the Magic leave New York, they will play 10 of their next 11 games at home and they're currently 21-8 at Kia Center this season. Of those games, only two will come against teams with a better record than them, so the Magic have a golden opportunity here to build a lead and secure a top-four slot in the East.
Q: Beyond Paolo Banchero, which member of the Magic's young core has taken the biggest steps forward this year?
Franz Wagner has been huge and was on an All-Star pace before spraining his ankle in early January. That caused him to miss some time, but he is easily the team's next-best player after Banchero. Think of what the Milwaukee Bucks have with Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo: that's sort of the vision the Magic have with Wagner and Banchero.
Q: There's a major chance for both sides to make a statement; Should Friday's game mean more to the Knicks or Magic?
I would say this game means a lot for both teams, but the Knicks need this win more than the Magic. New York is at home and has yet to beat Orlando in three games this season. After this game, the Magic return to central Florida for 10 of their next 11 games. Orlando could still make a big run up the standings this month, so that's why New York needs to try and get a win now and make up some ground.
Q: Who wins Friday's game and why?
If the Magic are healthy, I like their chances. The Knicks are too injured at the moment and the Magic are simply a bad matchup for them. Jalen Brunson has to play for the Knicks to have a shot. If not, the Magic should win 109-101.
