While logic would suggest that the best sporting occasions pit confident and on-form teams against one another, these match-ups often fail to live up to expectation. In contrast, games between struggling sides usually deliver incredible drama and tension, as player strive to give their all in a bid to reverse their sides ailing fortunes. This is certainly the case in the NBA this week, as Orlando Magic travel to take on the New York Knicks with both sides looking to reverse considerable losing streaks.
For Orlando Magic, defeat against the Knicks would be their third in a row while it would also represent a loss defeat in nine NBA matches this season. Their latest reversal came in the form of a 104-100 defeat to the Raptors, which surprised many on-lookers after the Magic had completely dominated the first three quarters. Despite this, they shipped 32 points in a disappointing final quarter and showcased a considerable lack of confidence as individual errors ultimately undermined their chance of victory.
As for the Knicks, they have lost five consecutive games and are continuing to struggle with their much discussed triangle offence. They have subsequently averaged just 91.6 points during their recent losing streak, while their last outing against the Hawks resulted in an extremely disappointing 91-85 defeat. Home advantage and a pressing need to win may just give the Nicks the edge, however, with the Paddy Power Euroleague betting odds pricing them at 4/11 for the victory. In contrast, the Magic can be backed at a slightly more tempting 9/4 and offer a little more value for fans giving the recent form of both sides in the NBA.
In fact, the Magic’s excellent performance against the Raptors last time out should make them favourites for this encounter, and fans should consider backing them to outscore the New York Nicks and record a much needed victory.
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