Orlando Magic at New York Knicks

Betting Odds

New York (35-38, 40-31-2 ATS) has been miserably since trading for Carmelo Anthony, yet the team continues to find ways to sink lower and lower. The Knicks have dropped six consecutive games and are 1-9 in their past 10 outings. The club has been horrific against the spread, covering just once in the past 10 games. New York lost 114-106 to Charlotte on Saturday.

Anthony was supposed to team with Amare Stoudemire and form a dynamic duo, but Stoudemire looks completely spent after carrying New York through most of the season. The big man has scored 16 or fewer points in three of his last four games, including a brutal effort against Charlotte. Stoudemire made just four of his 13 field goal attempts, finishing with 14 points.

Point guard Chauncey Billups, who came over the in Anthony trade, has also struggled. He’s scored just 21 total points in his past two games, making only nine of his 27 field goal attempts. Billups has also been a liability on defense; head coach Mike D’Antoni even started Billups at shooting guard against the Bobcats so he wouldn’t be overmatched by quicker guards.

Orlando (47-26, 30-4-2 ATS), on the other hand, is building some serious momentum with the playoffs on the horizon. The Magic beat New Jersey 95-85 on Friday, extending their winning streak to five games. Despite the run, Orlando continues to struggle against the spread—the Magic are 2-9 in their past 11 games on NBA odds.

Injuries could leave the club shorthanded at guard on Monday, though. Jameer Nelson sat out the second half against the Nets with a sprained knee, and he’s questionable for Monday. Quentin Richardson missed the game entirely thanks to bask spasms, though he’s expected to play against the Knicks. J.J. Redick has missed eight games with a strained stomach muscle, though the team is hoping to have him on Monday.

Orlando has completely dominated the Knicks over the past few seasons, winning nine of the past 10 games they’ve faced each other. The Magic are also 6-4 against the spread in that span, including a 5-1 run in the past six games. They’ve played three times this season, with Orlando winning all three (2-1 ATS). The total has gone over in their past six battles. BetUS.com has set the total for Monday’s game at 206.5 points.

Point Spread Pick

The Magic have owned the Knicks in recent meetings winning 6 straight. We don't look for that to change tonight against this Knicks team that has lost 9 of their last 10 games.
Take the Magic -1.5 points at 5Dimes.com and get reduced juice every day!