Orlando Magic vs New York Knicks | Prediction & Pick

Orlando Magic vs New York Knicks -NBA Free Pick – Wednesday March 23, 2011

vs.

Orlando Magic (46-26) vs New York Knicks (35-35)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 8:00 pm EST on ESPN

Last meeting: Orlando won 116-110 on March 1 in Orlando.

Click Here for more Free Expert NBA Basketball Picks

The Magic have been winning (three straight) but they have been underwhelming in their play (three straight ATS losses).  However, a visit to MSG might be a nice remedy as they have owned the Knicks of late with 5 straight wins (4-1 ATS).  The Magic seem to have lost their scoring touch of late without much explanation.  They average almost an even 100 points per game on the season but they have only cracked that number three times in their last 10 and in four of those games they have scored 85 points or fewer.  It should come as no surprise that it is hard to beat the spread when you are not scoring many points. Again, playing the Knicks who enjoy giving opponents easy baskets may be exactly what the Magic need to get back to their expected level of play.

The Knicks are slumping which is putting pressure on everyone, especially newly acquired forward Carmelo Anthony.  New York has won only 4 of their last 10 and enters the contest with 3 straight losses, a streak that began with upset road losses at Detroit and Milwaukee.  All season long this team had been money (23-12-1 ATS) on the road but even that loose style of play that was working so well seems to have eluded them now.  Before making a play on this one be sure to check the status of Anthony who received stitches after colliding with Rajon Rondo on Monday night.  All reports are that he will play but you want to be sure, especially if you are thinking of backing New York.  The Knicks seem assured a playoff spot but they are not looking like a team that will scare of the top seeds at this point.

The current line on this one is Orlando -1.5.  Great value here given there recent dominance of the Knicks and New York’s current state.

Check out the latest NBA Basketball Odds here.

Prediction:  Orlando should win here and if they do will certainly cover.  Look for a free flowing game dominated by Dwight Howard who was monstrous the last time out and has little opposition against New York.

Score:  Orlando 99 – New York 95

Need more help making your picks winners? Check out our top  handicappers.

Bet on the Magic/Knicks game: “Where the NBA Lines Originate” and  get a generous 50% sign up bonus (up to $500) at Bookmaker.com.

Orlando Magic Betting Trends

• Magic are 7-15-1 ATS in their last 23 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Magic are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
• Magic are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.

New York Knicks Betting Trends

• Knicks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Southeast.
• Knicks are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
• Knicks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.