Orlando Magic vs New York Knicks Picks and Predictions for Sunday October 25 2026
Somebody is getting their first win Sunday. Orlando and New York are both 0-2, and neither team has much reason to be happy about how the season started. The Knicks have struggled to score, while Orlando has been giving up points at an alarming rate. Something has to give here. I think New York has the better chance of getting its defense working. Make sure you are ready for all the NBA action with our free NBA picks.
The Magic visit the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. With a reliable consensus spread unavailable, my betting threshold is New York -5.5 or better, with an under consideration at 226.5 or higher.
Orlando Magic Need Their Defense Back
Orlando has lost its first two games and is allowing 123.5 points per contest. The Magic have averaged 109 themselves, which leaves a pretty ugly scoring differential. This isn’t the defensive basketball Orlando wants to play.
The Magic need to get back to making opponents work for shots. They’ve been giving up too many points, and that’s putting pressure on an offense that hasn’t been especially productive. Playing at Madison Square Garden won’t make things easier.
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Orlando can make this a physical game, and that’s probably its best route. The Magic shouldn’t want to get into a shooting contest. They need rebounds, stops, and a chance to play in the half court. If that happens, the spread could get uncomfortable for New York.
New York Knicks Have to Find Some Offense
New York is also 0-2, averaging only 101.5 points while allowing 106.5. The Knicks haven’t looked good offensively, but at least their defense has kept games within reach.
The Knicks have to find better shots. Scoring around 100 points a night isn’t going to win consistently in today’s NBA. Orlando’s early defensive problems give New York an opportunity to get something going without needing a perfect shooting performance.
I trust New York’s defense more than Orlando’s right now. That’s not a ringing endorsement of the Knicks’ offense, but it’s enough to give them the advantage at home. The Knicks need a win, and this is a reasonable spot to get one.
Orlando Magic vs New York Knicks Picks and Predictions
New York Knicks -5.5 or Better
I’ll take New York if the number is 5.5 or lower. Orlando has been allowing 123.5 points per game, and that’s too much against anybody. The Knicks haven’t been scoring well, so laying a big number would be asking for trouble. But I expect a better offensive showing at home. New York should win if its defense continues to hold up.
Under 226.5 or Higher
I prefer the under if the total opens at 226.5 or higher. New York’s first two games have featured limited offensive production, and Orlando should be trying to slow things down rather than trading baskets. The danger is that the Magic’s defensive problems continue and New York finally has a big scoring night. Still, I think this game is more likely to be decided in the low 110s than the 120s.
Final Picks: New York Knicks -5.5 or better and Under 226.5 or higher
Preview prepared October 24, 2026.
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