New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic Picks, Expert Predictions, Injuries & Betting Splits

Published: December 13, 2025 at 1:00 pm EST

Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva puts a shoulder into New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson — Dec 7, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) looks to drive past New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Knicks and Magic meet in Las Vegas in the semifinal of the NBA Cup on Saturday, December 13th
Orlando’s is a dismal 1-4 ATS in its last five and still missing leading scorer Franz Wagner
See the Knicks vs Magic pick, predictions, and player props to bet, plus the latest odds and splits

Las Vegas plays host as the New York Knicks (17-7, 16-8 ATS, 12-12 O/U) and Orlando Magic (15-10, 12-13 ATS, 13-12 O/U) clash in the NBA Cup semifinal at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday afternoon (2:30 pm PT/5:20 pm ET). Amazon Prime Video will have the national broadcast coverage.

The Knicks are fresh off a decisive 117-101 victory over Toronto in the quarters, while and the Magic are coming off a 117-108 win against Miami.

This article will break down the key statistical matchups, injury situations, and betting angles to determine the top Knicks vs Magic picks and props to target.

Knicks vs Magic Prediction: Expert Picks & Best Bets

ATS Pick: Knicks -5.0 (-110) at bet365

While both teams enter this semifinal matchup riding high, the betting trends and underlying analytics point toward a distinct advantage for New York. Orlando has won 11 of their last 15 games straight-up; however, that success has not translated to covering the spread. The Magic are just 1-4 ATS over their last five.

Conversely, New York has been a model of consistency after a win, going 6-1 straight-up record in the last seven. With the Knicks’ improved defense (10th in D-Rating) and Jalen Brunson’s steady hand orchestrating the offense, they are well-equipped to exploit an Orlando team that is still finding its footing without star forward Franz Wagner. The Magic’s recent ATS woes make laying the points with the favorite the most logical play.

Game-Total Prediction: Under 225.5 (-115) at BetMGM

The most compelling angle in this entire matchup revolves around the total. A mountain of evidence suggests this game is destined to be a low-scoring, defensive grind. The under carries a staggering 8-2 record in the Knicks’ last ten games as a favorite. Broadening the scope, the under has also hit in seven of their last nine games overall.

The trend proves equally powerful for Orlando, especially in this specific situation. The over has failed to hit in each of the last five games against opponents with a winning record.

Best Player Prop to Target: Paolo Banchero 22.5 Under Points (-114) at DraftKings

Given the strong trends toward a low-scoring affair, targeting an under on a primary scorer offers great value. Paolo Banchero (20.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 3.8 APG) will draw the full attention of the Knicks’ physical defense. In a game projected to have fewer possessions and tougher shots, expecting him to stay below his points total of 22.5 represents a sound strategy.

Banchero has also stayed under 22.5 in each of his last four games.

New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic Odds

The Knicks enter this NBA Cup semifinal as clear favorites against a depleted Magic squad. The Knicks/Magic points spread ranges from NYK -5.0 to -5.5, bet up from the opening number of NYK -4.5.

The total has been bet up from 223.5 as high as 225.5, though some books still have it at 224.5.

A successful $20 moneyline wager on the favored Knicks at -189 odds would yield a profit of $10.20. Thee same $20 bet on the underdog Magic at +180 odds would result in a much larger profit of $36 if Orlando can pull of the upset.

Knicks vs Magic Player Props & Betting Lines

New York Knicks	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Made Threes
Jalen Brunson	27.5 -106/+123	4.5 +126/-169	6.5 +112/-148	2.5 -167/+125
Karl-Anthony Towns	23.5 -117/+112	11.5 -101/-131	3.5 -159/+120	1.5 +146/-196
Josh Hart	12.5 -102/-128	8.5 -129/+103	5.5 -116/+114	1.5 -126/+105
OG Anunoby	14.5 -115/+114	5.5 -108/+122	2.5 -118/+113	2.5 -158/+119
Mikal Bridges	16.5 -120/-108	4.5 +101/-135	3.5 -161/+121	2.5 +142/-191
Orlando Magic	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Made Threes
Paolo Banchero	22.5 -111/+120	6.5 -153/+115	4.5 -163/+123	1.5 -102/+130
Desmond Bane	18.5 -120/+110	4.5 -125/+106	5.5 -103/+130	3.5 -192/+143
Jalen Suggs	13.5 -106/+123	3.5 -165/+124	4.5 -129/+103	2.5 +112/-149
Wendell Carter Jr.	11.5 -111/+118	8.5 -143/+108	2.5 -106/+125	0.5 -204/+151
Anthony Black	9.5 -107/+122	4.5 +118/-157	3.5 -119/+110	1.5 +140/-188

The player props market reflects the contrasting team dynamics heading into this semifinal clash, with oddsmakers setting challenging totals for key performers on both sides. The absence of Franz Wagner has significantly shifted the market expectations for Orlando’s remaining stars.

The most telling market signal centers on Desmond Bane’s made threes prop, where the over sits at a heavily juiced -192. This pricing reflects both his recent hot streak and the market’s expectation that he’ll absorb additional volume with Franz Wagner sidelined. The consensus among oddsmakers is clear: Bane will be Orlando’s primary perimeter weapon in this semifinal.

Paolo Banchero’s points total presents an interesting contrarian opportunity. The under is juiced to -120, suggesting the market expects his recent scoring struggles to continue. However, tournament basketball often brings out elevated performances from star players, making the over at -111 potentially valuable for those betting on a bounce-back game.

For the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns’ rebounding line shows notable variance across sportsbooks. While the consensus sits at 11.5, some books are offering the over at even money, creating a potential arbitrage opportunity for those who believe Towns will dominate the glass against Orlando’s depleted frontcourt.

NYK vs ORL Injuries

Orlando Magic Frontcourt Decimated

The Magic face a devastating blow with Franz Wagner (leg) and Moritz Wagner (knee) both sidelined. Franz’s absence is particularly impactful, removing a versatile scorer who averaged significant three-point attempts per game. This creates a domino effect throughout Orlando’s rotation.

The betting market has responded by heavily favoring Desmond Bane’s made threes over (-192), as he becomes the Magic’s most reliable perimeter threat. Banchero’s increased usage is reflected in his points prop, though the market remains skeptical of his recent form.

New York’s Depth Concerns

The Knicks will miss Miles McBride (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder), reducing their backcourt depth. While these absences won’t impact the starting lineup, they create heavier minute loads for core players like Brunson and Hart, potentially boosting their volume-based props.

ORL vs NYK Public-Betting Splits

Market	Knicks	Magic
Spread	48% bets, 54% handle	52% bets, 46% handle
Moneyline	77% bets, 77% handle	23% bets, 23% handle
Total	Ov: 90% bets, 91% handle	Un: 10% bets, 9% handle

Saturday’s NBA public betting splits show the public is aligned on who its thinks will win, putting 77% of moneyline handle and wagers on the favored Knicks.

Against the spread, bettors are more divided, with 52% of all spread tickets placed on the Magic, but 54% of the handle on New York to cover.

The most lopsided market by far involves the game total. The public anticipates a high-scoring affair, with a staggering 90% of bets and an even more telling 91% of the money pouring in on the over.

Sascha Paruk

Managing Editor

Sascha has been working in the sports-betting industry since 2014, and quickly paired his strong writing skills with a burgeoning knowledge of probability and statistics. He holds an undergraduate degree in linguistics and a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia.

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