Knicks Aim to Extend Streak as Magic’s Banchero Seeks Birthday Win
It’s shaping up to be an exciting midweek showdown as the New York Knicks face off against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have been on a roll, riding a five-game winning streak after taking down Memphis on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Magic are hoping to turn things around — and for one player in particular, this game carries a little extra meaning.
Orlando forward Paolo Banchero, who just turned 23, isn’t asking for lavish gifts or celebrations this year. What he really wants for his birthday is simple — a win. As he put it himself, “The best gift I could get is a dub and a good performance.” It’s an ESPN game, the stage is big, and Banchero’s motivation is clear.
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Coming into Wednesday’s matchup, the Knicks stand at 7-3 both straight up and against the spread, while the Magic sit at 5-6 with a rougher 4-7 ATS record. Moe Wagner is sidelined for Orlando due to a knee issue, but the Knicks enter with a clean bill of health. Oddsmakers have New York as a 3.5-point favorite, with an over/under of around 227.5 points.
According to SportsLine’s projection model, which simulated the game 10,000 times, the over looks like the smart play — it’s been hitting in most of New York’s games this season. The Knicks and Magic are a combined 6-1 on the over when given a day’s rest, and the model projects around 228 points total. It also suggests that one side of the spread could hit nearly 70% of the time, pointing toward a potentially close but high-scoring affair.
For Banchero and the Magic, this season hasn’t quite met the lofty preseason expectations yet. Despite adding sharpshooter Desmond Bane in a major offseason move, Orlando still ranks near the bottom of the league in three-pointers made per game and has struggled with turnovers. Banchero himself has admitted he needs to be better — emphasizing defense, rhythm, and urgency as key priorities moving forward.
After signing a five-year, $239 million extension this offseason, Banchero carries not just financial security but also the weight of leadership. His teammates and coaches insist the contract hasn’t changed him — he’s still grounded, humble, and hungry to win.
So as the lights come up at Madison Square Garden tonight, there’s more at stake than just another regular-season game. For New York, it’s about keeping the momentum alive. For Orlando, and especially for Banchero, it’s about finding their groove again — and maybe celebrating a birthday the best way possible: with a statement win.
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