A pivotal showdown looms in the NBA's Eastern Conference. NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE Wednesday night, with the 33-21 New York Knicks taking on the 29-24 Orlando Magic.
The Kia Center is set to be the stage for this contest. Despite entering both meetings this season as underdogs, the Magic were victorious in their previous two meetings.
Knicks Keep Climbing
The Knicks recently experienced a controversial loss, dealing with injuries to key players such as Julius Randle, OG Anunoby and the questionable status of Isaiah Hartenstein.
Their Monday showdown in Houston resulted in a comeback effort marred by a controversial foul later recognized by the referees as a mistake. However, the team is on a three-game losing streak and must rely on its eighth-place defensive rating to regain momentum.
Known for allowing the third fewest points per game, ranking second in defensive rebounding percentage and conceding the fourth fewest free throw attempts, the Knicks possess formidable defensive prowess.
Even in Monday's loss, they limited the opponent to just 105 points. The question now is whether this resilient group will show the same determination.
Offensively, the impact of the absent players has been profound, as the team failed to score more than 115 points in three recent losses.
However, the Knicks maintain ninth place in the offensive rankings after Monday night, excelling in offensive rebounding percentage and solid perimeter shooting.
Although they rank 18th in true shooting percentage and 27th in zone shooting efficiency, the team excels at getting to the free throw line and protecting the ball. Now, the focus shifts to Orlando as the Knicks look to recalibrate and rediscover their winning ways.
Game 55 of 82.
📺 https://t.co/YGgOOUZwbu pic.twitter.com/aUI9RKwxty
- NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 14, 2024
Magic Aims for the Top
Taking the court for the second straight night, the Magic find themselves in the first part of a two-game series after securing wins in five of their last six games.
Enjoying improved health, Orlando is supported by the league's fourth-best defensive rating. Ranking fourth in defensive rebounding percentage and boasting an impressive second place in turnovers per game, the Magic remain resilient.
They concede the fourth fewest points per game and have the ability to limit opponents to the eighth lowest three-point percentage this season.
While there is the challenge of allowing the 23rd most free throw attempts per game, it has yet to prove detrimental to Orlando's success.
On the offensive front, the Magic struggle, ranking 26th in points per game and 24th in offensive rating. The team faces challenges in three-point accuracy, ranking 28th, and holds the title of being the least efficient team in mid-range shooting.
Interestingly, this belies their ability to get to the rim, outperforming every other team in this regard. Orlando also ranks as the seventh best team in offensive rebounding percentage.
Despite facing problems in protecting the ball, ranking 23rd in turnovers per game, the team's formidable inside presence continues to pose a clear threat.
