The Knicks open their home slate against a Magic team that is also 0-2 and without Paolo Banchero. New York lost twice by six and four points, and the seed race has started to tighten.
Lead Fact
Two losses, both close, and the champions are 12th. The Knicks fell 107-103 in Boston on Friday while Jayson Tatum scored 36. OG Anunoby led New York with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. Today they get Orlando at the Garden, with a chance to stop the slide.
Magic Short-Handed
Orlando is 0-2 as well, on an L2 streak, and the injury list is long. Banchero, Jonathan Isaac, Noah Penda and Izaiyah Nelson are all listed out. Anthony Black is questionable with an ankle problem. Banchero averaged 22.2 points last season, and the Magic went 45-37 with a net rating of 0.6. The Knicks were plus 6.4 at 53-29. On paper this is the softest spot on the board.
Who's Back
Jose Alvarado picked up a left ankle issue Saturday, and his estimated return is today. Boston showed the cost of thin guard play late. The Knicks also lost Kevin McCullar Jr. from the roster on Saturday. Knicks.com announced a two-way deal for Dalton Knecht, the former Laker.
The Math
It is early, but the board is not forgiving. The sixth seed, Washington at 2-1, is 1.5 games ahead. The tenth, Chicago at 1-2, is half a game up. Pistons and Bulls come next, then a trip to Philadelphia on October 30 in the Emirates NBA Cup.
Bottom Line
Mike Brown does not need a speech. He needs Brunson, Towns and the starters to finish a close game. Beat a hurt Magic team today and the panic cools. Lose it, and the title defense has a real hole in it.
Is Paolo Banchero playing tonight for the Magic?
No. Banchero is listed out with a right ankle injury, along with Jonathan Isaac, Noah Penda and Izaiyah Nelson.
What is the Knicks' record going into the Magic game?
New York is 0-2 after losing 100-106 to the 76ers and 103-107 at Boston. Orlando is also 0-2.
