With Christmas a mere two weeks away we take an early look at the opening NBA Cup semifinal matchup on Amazon Prime Video this Saturday night between the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic. This should be an intriguing game when it comes to the Knicks vs Magic bets.
Throw the records out with the NBA Cup typically. Remember, this is on a neutral site in Las Vegas. Yes, that Vegas! It will be a bit of a party atmosphere as both Orlando and New York have made it this far. Only one will go to the Final next Tuesday night. None of the team currently in the Cup playoffs play on Sunday and Monday if one is wondering.
Again, this Saturday night rolls already has props so here is our NBA Top Props page, which provides valuable information.
Any game with Jalen Brunson and Orlando's young core get our vote. Let us take a look at the particulars for this semifinal opener from the Strip in Las Vegas.
- WHAT: New York Knicks vs. Orlando Magic
- WHEN: Saturday, November 13th, 2025 at 5:30 pm ET
- WHERE: T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
- WHY: It's a big Saturday NBA Cup matchup on Amazon Prime Video
Yes, we have the latest table for the Knicks vs Magic bets.
Knicks vs Magic Bets Table
Why Are The Knicks Favorites on Saturday Night?
Why are the Knicks favorites on Saturday night in the Knicks vs Magic Bets? Simply, the Knicks are 17-7 and challenging for the best record in the East. Right now, all four top teams in that conference are rolling. New York is 8-2 over their last 10, Boston, Detroit, and Orlando are all 7-3 during that span.
Toss out all the ATS numbers you will see for this tilt. Again, a neutral site game typically zaps that theoretical three point bump for a home team. Yes, there is no home team even if it says Orlando on your internet site. Arguably, playing in Vegas probably helps New York more than anything. The pressure at MSG is immense these days weighed with expectations. Most Knicks players likely find playing in Las Vegas to be like a vacation.
With this Eastern Conference clash, I can see why the experts and betting public lean to the Knicks here. However, looking a little closer at last year's matchups, then the form this year leads to a contrary opinion. Would I take the Knicks at -5.5 points? Yes I would still do this but at -4.5, the Knicks stand at -105.
The thought process lies in the fact that New York gets a welcome break. With the Magic, they are the younger team with an improving core. However, the experience of playing at 2:30 pm Vegas time could prove to be a problem. The Knicks play Saturday matinees and even practice err scrimmage on Saturdays from time to time. Expect New York to be more prepared for this one.
Knicks vs Magic Bets Go Deeper?
As the options tumble our way, should the Knicks vs Magic bets go deeper? Some wagers include points, the race to x, and so much more. It is funny that in their quarterfinal games, both the Knicks and Magic scored exactly 117 points. It was the Knicks who played better defense. They held Toronto to 101 points. Meanwhile, Miami scored 108 on Orlando. Orlando held Miami to 24% shooting from three-point range.
Now, what other props are we eyeing up here? The game total comes in at 223.5. One of the tendencies is to trend a hair to the over. On the other hand, we are seeing some experts hedge the under. It is a weird process sometimes. How does one gage a game played on a neutral site. Look to college basketball of course this time of year. Holiday tournaments are almost always played on neutral courts. It may not be the same level of action but this is a reference err starting point.
Fortunately, some projections have this game going as high as 226 or 227 points. That gives us the ability to explore a few alternate lines. One can go up to 5.5 points or 6.5 points for the Knicks to get plus money. Conversely, going up to 224.5 points on the game total yields a +110 number. That might not last. At +105, a small shift or several is almost inevitable between now and Saturday. At least no other games can truly affect this contest.
Okay, one prop we have enjoyed is the team total. The Knicks to score 115+ points is the option that catches our eye best. If the Knicks get off to a good start and play their game, they could force the Magic into too high of a pace. New York can tire Orlando but only if they push it from the first jump ball. Anything else and Orlando has a real chance to advance. We side with the Knicks getting to 115 or better versus the Magic.
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How About One More Fix?
Alright, how about just one more fix? The great part about this week is the back and forth variety between NBA Cup games and the regular season. Some do not like this format but getting to this stage offers the Cup participants a break from the regular season reality. Meanwhile, other games are still going on.
The Milwaukee and Brooklyn game on Sunday strangely enough could be one to watch as both teams are struggling mightily and losers of eight of their previous 10. It would be the one time to trust a Bucks team on the road. Take the spread there and run when it appears.
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