Knicks vs. Magic prediction and odds for Thursday, March 23 (Trust Knicks as road favorites)

The New York Knicks have dropped back-to-back games, and now they are on the road for the second night of a back-to-back against the Orlando Magic.

New York still has a two-game lead on the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat for the No. 5 seed, but it can’t afford another loss, especially to a non-playoff team like Orlando.

It will be interesting to see if Jalen Brunson (foot) gets a rest on the second night of a back-to-back, but the Knicks have not listed him on the injury report as of this writing.

As for Orlando, Jalen Suggs (concussion) and Jonathan Isaac (torn left adductor) are both out for this game.

The Magic beat the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, but they are just 4-6 in their last 10 games. Here’s a look at the odds for this Eastern Conference matchup:

Knicks vs. Magic odds, spread and total

Knicks vs. Magic prediction and pick

The Knicks have not looked great this week, especially on the defensive end, allowing 140 and 127 points in their last two games.

The bright side for the team is that it takes on an Orlando team that is just 26th in the league in offensive rating this season.

The Magic have a lot of young talent, but they are still under .500 at home despite many of their advanced numbers taking a slight step forward at Amway Center.

New York has several trends in its favor in this game, and I think that’s a big reason to trust the Knicks in this spot.

Since Tom Thibodeau took over as the Knicks’ head coach, the team is 24-11-2 ATS on the second night of a back-to-back, the best mark in the NBA. This season, New York is 6-3-2 ATS in that spot.

Plus, as road favorites, the Knicks are a league best 8-2 ATS this season. The Knicks have to stop the bleeding tonight, and I think they handle an inferior Orlando team.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.