NBA picks 11/22: New York @ Orlando – Are the Knicks Tired and Hurt?

by Benny J King for Wannamakeabet.com

A tight Eastern Conference tilt looms tonight as New York heads to Orlando, tipped as slight favorites with the Magic +1.5 and an Over/Under of 228.5. Both teams bring momentum and question marks, setting the stage for a compelling betting showdown.

Team Analysis

New York

The Knicks enter this one on a three-game winning streak, including a gritty road victory over Dallas where Jalen Brunson dropped 28 points and led the charge.

Their season numbers remain strong: around 121 points per game ranking near the top, 17 made threes per game, and elite efficiency from the charity stripe.

However, they’ll be without defensive stalwart OG Anunoby, who is sidelined for at least two weeks with a left hamstring strain.

Brunson is back from his Grade‑1 ankle sprain and expected to suit up, restoring the Knicks’ offensive rhythm.

Orlando

The Magic have thrived at home recently, riding a four-game win streak on their court.

Their defensive identity has been solidified—second in defensive rebounds and adept at limiting opponent three-point attempts.

But Orlando’s roster also bears losses: Paolo Banchero exited injured in their only matchup against the Knicks and remains sidelined with a groin strain.

Moritz Wagner is also out due to a knee issue, further stressing Orlando’s rotation.

Key Matchup Factors

• Head-to-head: Orlando beat New York convincingly 124–107 in their previous meeting—despite missing Banchero for much of that game—by winning on the boards, exploiting turnovers, and dominating the paint.

• Player matchups: Brunson versus Orlando’s backcourt and Franz Wagner anchoring the Magic’s offense (he dropped 28 in that win).

• Injuries & news:

– Knicks: OG Anunoby out (hamstring), Brunson returned (ankle sprain recovery) (https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-knicks-og-anunoby-hamstring-out-least-two-weeks–flm-2025-11-16/ and https://nypost.com/2025/11/13/sports/knicks-get-positive-update-on-brunsons-ankle-injury) – Magic: Paolo Banchero out (groin), Moritz Wagner out (knee) (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/paolo-banchero-injury-update-orlando-magic-forward-wont-return-to-game-vs-new-york-knicks/articleshow/125288490.cms and https://www.foxsports.com/articles/nba/orlando-takes-home-win-streak-into-matchup-with-new-york)

• Home/away performance:

– Magic: stellar at home with a four-game win streak. – Knicks: solid road performer, but without Anunoby their perimeter defense dips.

Betting Analysis

• Spread: Orlando at+1.5 pairs with home court and defensive advantage. Without Banchero and spotty guard defense sans Anunoby, the Magic should keep things close and perhaps sneak a cover or more.

• Total (O/U 228.5): Last matchup was high scoring (231 combined). With both teams missing key defenders and New York still elite offensively, another offensive shootout seems likely.

• Value plays:

– Magic +1.5—home edge and Knicks missing Anunoby makes this appealing. – Over 228.5—pace and offensive firepower tilt toward the over. – Consider Brunson over points prop, especially with increased load without Anunoby or Banchero around.

• Prediction:

This shapes up as a tight battle. Orlando’s home defense should grind New York, while the Knicks still have the offensive weapons to keep pace. Given the rebound parity, edge goes to Orlando covering the spread.

Final Pick: Magic +1.5 and Over 228.5. Expect a high-scoring, close game where Orlando’s energy and defensive discipline keep them within striking distance.

Wannamakeabet’s points-based system supports this: Magic earn points for defensive efficiency and home-court steadiness, while the Over gets strong offensive scoring momentum from both squads.