New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic 25 October 2026 Prediction

The New York Knicks are the first defending champions since the 2011 Dallas Mavericks to start a season 0-2. They now face an Orlando Magic team that has also lost its first two games. Can the Knicks get their first win at Madison Square Garden?

The Knicks Are Still Winless

Jalen Brunson helped the Knicks close out games last season, but New York has lost two close games to open this one: 106-100 to the Philadelphia 76ers and 107-103 to the Boston Celtics. The Knicks are shooting 40.8% from the field, one of the five lowest marks in the league.

New York outrebounded its opponents in both games, 53-45 and 44-37. But the team shot no better than 71% from the free-throw line in either loss. Brunson, last postseason’s MVP, has scored 40 points on 13-for-36 shooting through two games.

New York Knicks Predicted Lineup: Brunson, Bridges, Hart, Anunoby, Towns

Unavailable: None

Manager: Mike Brown

Banchero Is Injured Again

Paolo Banchero played just 52 games in 2024-25. He has now sprained his right ankle early in the 2026-27 season and could miss four to six weeks. Orlando has lost both of its opening games.

Banchero, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. combined for 79 points in a 132-125 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The Magic then lost 115-93 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both games were at home. Orlando committed 36 turnovers across the two losses.

Orlando Magic Predicted Lineup: Suggs, Bane, Wagner, Da Silva, Carter Jr.

Unavailable: Nelson and Penda (injured)

Manager: Sean Sweeney

Recent Knicks vs Magic Results

The teams split their four meetings last season. Orlando won the first two, 124-107 and 133-121, before New York won the next two, 106-100 and 132-120.

New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic Prediction: New York Knicks Handicap -8.5

Main pick: Banchero’s absence weakens Orlando at both ends of the court. Against Minnesota, the Magic shot 44% from the field and 58% from the free-throw line. Carter Jr. scored 20 points on 8-for-9 shooting, well above his career average of fewer than 10 points per game. New York has struggled offensively but kept both games close against strong Eastern Conference opponents. The Knicks also went 30-10 at home in the 2025-26 regular season. The pick is New York Knicks -8.5.

Team total pick: New York allowed no more than 107 points in either loss, despite facing Philadelphia and Boston. Against an Orlando team missing Banchero, the secondary pick is Orlando Magic team total under 105.5 points.