Winless Magic and Knicks Meet at the Garden With a First Win at Stake

By NBA Stat Desk How we produce articles

Orlando's thin rotation meets a champion looking to shake off a rough opener.

ORL @ NYK Oct 25, 2026 at 11:00 PM UTC

Few teams want a first win more than these two. Orlando fell 132-125 to Atlanta, and New York lost 106-100 to Philadelphia, so both enter 0-1 with the early-season pressure that comes with it. For the Knicks, that loss came on banner and ring night, when the 76ers spoiled a celebration of the 2026 NBA Championship. Returning to the Garden as reigning champions after that flat start, New York has an obvious chance to reset the tone in front of its home crowd.

Orlando's biggest problem is availability. Jonathan Isaac is out with left knee injury management and also missed the opener, which leaves the Magic without frontcourt help. Anthony Black is out with a right ankle sprain, so Orlando is missing a guard for the second straight game. Those absences matter because the Magic gave up 132 points in their opener, and a short rotation will be tested if they have to defend for 48 minutes against a motivated home team.

New York has its own concern in the middle. Drew Eubanks (pectoral) and N'Faly Dante (knee) are both out, leaving only two centers listed. That could limit the Knicks' flexibility if foul trouble hits or Orlando tries to attack inside. Still, the Knicks' problem is thinner depth at one position, while the Magic are missing contributors at both guard and forward.

I expect Orlando to score enough to stay in range, since it put up 125 against Atlanta. But the Knicks have the champion's edge, the home setting and a stronger sense of urgency after a spoiled opener. New York should make enough defensive stops late to get the first win of the season.

Prediction: Knicks 112, Magic 106.

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