Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks (April 3, 2022): 3 Things To Watch, Odds and Prediction
The Orlando Magic enter the final week of their season as they take on the weary New York Knicks at the Amway Center, their last game against a non-playoff team.
Orlando Magic (20-58) vs. New York Knicks (34-44)
Time/TV: 6 p.m./Bally Sports Florida
WATCH MAGIC-KNICKS ON FUBO TV
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Line via WynnBet: Knicks by 5
Tickets: $24-$574 on StubHub
2022 Season Series: Knicks 121, Magic 96 in Orlando on Oct. 22; Magic 110, Knicks 104 in New York City on Oct. 24; Magic 104, Knicks 98 in New York City on Nov. 17; Tonight in Orlando
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 96.4 | 109.6 | 110.8 | 51.2 | 29.4 | 13.7 | 28.2 |
| Orlando | 99.7 | 103.8 | 111.7 | 50.1 | 25.2 | 14.6 | 22.5 |
OMD Prediction
Still, good luck guessing what will come in this game.
The Orlando Magic’s injury report is starting to fill up in a major way. Wendell Carter has already been ruled OUT (he is probably possibly done for the year). Cole Anthony (left toe sprain) and Franz Wagner (sprained left ankle) are both QUESTIONABLE.
It is tough to say what the Magic will be in this game. The same goes for the New York Knicks too.
The Knicks have shut down Julius Randle with a sore right quadriceps tendon. He is likely done for the year. That still gives the team RJ Barrett, who has had a fantastic season and has started to come into their own.
But the Knicks are like the Magic, drifting to the end of the season. So who knows what to expect?
27. 106. 38. Prediction. 108
3 Keys To Watch
R.J. Hampton’s opportunity
The Orlando Magic are going to be passing out opportunities here to end the season. That is the reality of the season. Guys are going to get bigger roles and opportunities than they might otherwise get. This is a big chance for players on the fringes. Everything is an audition.
That is certainly true for R.J. Hampton. Hampton has been starting the last nine games, averaging 7.8 points per game while shooting 37.1-percent from the floor. Hampton has had a lot of opportunities this year — and he has generally been a solid shooter and decent defender — but Hampton has been struggling since being thrust into the starting lineup.
Hampton has had a weird season for sure. He has shown a ton of promise and growth as a 3-and-D wing. But he still sometimes fights against playing too fast and trying to be too much of a point guard (which he probably is not).
With the potential for Cole Anthony out, the Magic are going to be leaning on R.J. Hampton a lot more. And that could be rough. But it is an opportunity.
RJ Barrett’s time
There was a time when people thought RJ Barrett should be picked ahead of Zion Williamson in his draft class. Barrett struggled through the early part of his career. There were a few people who were going out on the third overall pick.
Barrett is averaging 20.0 points per game and is shooting 34.6-percent from beyond the arc. He has had more burst games as he has taken on more responsibility this year. Barrett has a career-high 27.3-percent usage rate. So he is taking a ton of shots.
Barrett is making the most of this time. Whether Barrett can become a star or not is still a big question in his young career.
Ignas Brazdeikis too
Give Ignas Brazdeikis some credit. With the opportunity going around, Brazdeikis is showing his offensive ability. He has some good craft finishing around the basket and just has a good sense offensively. Brazdeikis is making the most of his chances here.
Brazdeikis is averaging 3.9 points per game this year. That is hardly impressive. But since his minutes started rising to end the season (his last eight games), Brazdeikis is averaging 7.9 points per game with a 50.0-percent field goal percentage.
Devin Cannady comes all the way back. dark. Next
He can hit the three decently. But Brazdeikis still has a lot of work to do to cement his place in the NBA. But Brazdeikis can put the ball in the hoop if given the chance.