The Knicks are rolling behind potential All-Star Julius Randle and a Tom Thibodeau-led defense that has stifled opponents, ranking third in the league in defensive rating on the season.
On Wednesday night, they take on an injury-depleted Magic squad that is super thin at the point guard spot. Markelle Fultz is out for the year and rookie Cole Anthony is out until at least after the All-Star break, leaving Michael Carter-Williams, who has dealt with his own injuries this year, as the top option at the position. The backcourt may also be without Evan Fournier (back issues), leaving Nikola Vucevic as the main scoring option yet again.
While Vucevic is playing an All-Star level, he”ll go up against a Knicks team that excels in taking away points in the paint. Even with Mitchell Robinson sidelined the past three games, this team ranks sixth in the league in preventing points in the paint. With this game having an over/under of 210.0, it’s hard to imagine that the Magic put up enough points to break this total. Since the start of February, Orlando has only scored 105.4 points per game (only the Cavaliers are worst).
More NBA Odds & Ends
- Victor Oladipo (foot) is unlikely to suit up in the Rockets-Sixers game on Wednesday, as we relayed on our Rockets-Sixers betting breakdown. The shooting guard has missed the past two games with the ailment. Eric Gordon (groin) is also doubtful to play.
- Paul George will not play in the Clippers-Jazz game because of his lingering toe injury. Wednesday marks George’s 7th-straight missed contests.
- The Wizards have won two straight games and one bettor in Las Vegas has some confidence in them, placing a $10,000 wager on Washington to win the NBA championship. Bradley Beal‘s squad is sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, though if they can pull off an improbable run, that ticket would pay out $5 million.
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