ORLANDO – Packing for a lengthy road trip that includes multiple stops along the way is always a challenging endeavor.
However, there’s one essential item that the Orlando Magic want to make sure they place in their suitcase before embarking on a four-game West Coast trip: a win over the New York Knicks.
The Magic (18-12) will attempt to close out their brief homestand with a victory over the New York Knicks (17-13) when the two teams go head-to-head on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
“We had a great conversation during our film session this morning (about) having one more (game) before we head out West,” said Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley. “So, being able to take care of home court and keep our crowd energized and engaged in what we’re doing. These guys understand the importance of this game and how hard it is to play against a tough New York Knicks team.”
Orlando’s offense will be tested by a New York team that does a good job of protecting the paint. The Knicks allow the eighth-fewest paint points in the NBA, giving up just 47.0 points per contest in that area. The Magic, meanwhile, put up 55.9 points per game in the paint – the second-highest mark in the league.
“We want to shoot it well tonight – that will definitely help open up the paint a little bit,” said Magic guard Cole Anthony. “For us, even with the challenges presented, we have to get into the paint, but at the same time, pick and choose our spots.”
The Knicks are not only one of the association’s best rebounding teams, but they also convert those boards into scoring opportunities. New York is averaging 16.2 second chance points per contest – the third most in the NBA – with forward Julius Randle being the biggest contributor in that area.
The Magic will also look to slow down point guard Jalen Brunson, who is firing off a team-high 26.0 points per game while shooting 45.3 percent from beyond the arc.
“Offensively, Jalen Brunson able to do what he is capable of doing,” said Mosley. “He’s having an All-Star type of year. Julius Randle is able to score individually at a high clip. They just have guys who can put the ball in the hole. They present a lot of one-on-one challenges, but also one-on-five. We can’t let guys play individually.”
Offensively, Orlando will be focused on ball security and shot making. The Magic missed a number of open looks in their loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday and turned the ball over too many times leading to extra opportunities for the Sixers.
IN AND OUT: Jonathan Isaac (right hamstring; soreness) will be a game-time decision, while Markelle Fultz (left knee tendinitis), Gary Harris (right calf; strain), Jett Howard (G League – On Assignment), Joe Ingles (left ankle; sprain), and Trevelin Queen (G League – Two-Way) are out for Orlando.
For New York, Charlie Brown Jr. (G League – Two-Way), Mitchell Robinson (left ankle surgery), Jericho Sims (right ankle; sprain) and Jacob Toppin (G League – Two-Way) are out.
KEY STATS: Paolo Banchero recently played in his 100th career NBA game. Per Sportradar, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year is one of just eight players over the last 40 years (since 1983-84) to average 20-plus points, six-plus rebounds and four-plus assists during his first 100 career contests.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Those are shots that we’re living with. I’m going to keep telling the boys to shoot it every time because if you don’t shoot it, then it looks crazy. We’re in the gym and guys work on it every day. I have full trust that they’re going to knock it down. Some nights, I think that’s part of the NBA. It's a make or miss league. Sometimes you knock those open ones down. Sometimes you miss and you’ve got to find a different way to win the game.” – Jalen Suggs on Orlando’s shooting struggles against Philadelphia