The New York Knicks have lost four games in a row and seven of ten. They’ll try and stop the bleeding Monday against the Orlando Magic.
- New York Knicks (16-17)
- Orlando Magic (15-20)
- Monday, Jan. 2, 7:30 p.m. ET on MSG Network
- Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
The New York Knicks entered 2017 on a down note after losing four straight games and seven of their last ten. They’re sitting at a game under .500 with Monday night’s game against the Orlando Magic next on the schedule.
The Knicks won their first matchup against the Magic this season after big performances from Brandon Jennings and Kyle O’Quinn.
Tonight will be a little different with stars for both teams nursing injuries. Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) for the Knicks and Evan Fournier (Heel) for the Magic.
According to Frank Isola of The New York Daily News, Porzingis is expected to miss his second straight game with a sore Achilles.
UPDATE: It’s been confirmed that Porzingis will not play tonight, per Ian Begley of ESPN New York.
Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) is out tonight. Carmelo Anthony (knee), Courtney Lee (wrist) and Kyle O'Quinn (flu) will play.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 2, 2017
Fournier has missed four straight games. His status for Monday’s game is unknown.
Their defense has been a big reason for the Knicks recent struggles. During the last ten games, they’ve allowed 111.5 points per game while opponents have shot 45.1 percent from the field.
https://youtu.be/dgn39JB385s
Orlando will be a welcome relief. They’re ranked 25th or lower in every major statistical category on offense and without Fournier (their leading scorer) they should have serious problems putting the ball in the basket.
As long as Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony can play good games, the Knicks should be able to pull this one out.
